Plans to bulldoze a Sikh temple in Belvedere and build a new bigger gurdwara have been given the green light.

Proposals to demolish and rebuild a traditionally styled gurdwara temple in Lower Road were submitted last year.

The current gurdwara is formed of a converted warehouse, which would be bulldozed in place of the new temple with 47 parking spaces.

A previous plan was submitted in 2015, with the temple owners now saying they have plans better suited to neighbouring properties.

Councillors supported the scheme at a planning meeting on April 11, unanimously voting it through.

MORE - Town centre wardens to return to Eltham after 18 month absence

Speaking in support of the new temple, ward councillor and Labour leader Daniel Francis said: “The gurdwara has been in the heart of the community for many years.

“The Sikh community is a key part of the local community. The current building isn’t fit for purpose, it’s a converted industrial building and clearly the community want to bring forward a building that is fit for purpose.

“It’s a smaller temple than what has been previously approved. As a very long-standing councillor for this ward, I do believe this application clearly has the support of the community.”

Concerned residents had said the temple is poorly designed and would be over-development and increase parking and traffic in the area.

However, along with the objections, more than 200 people wrote to the council to support the new temple – including MP Teresa Pearce.

The plans, which were revised after Highways England raised concerns over parking, also include room for classrooms that can be used for community activities.

Councillors unanimously signed off on the new proposals.