Early plans for nearly 50 affordable homes on former allotments in Slade Green have been submitted to Bexley Council.

The proposals, put forward by Urban and Rural alongside Orbit housing association, are for 48 apartments on open land close to Howbury Lane.

Slade Green is an area earmarked by Bexley Council for major growth in coming years as the authority envisages up to 31,000 homes in the borough by 2050.

The land has not been used as allotments since 2012, according to documents, with the council planning to sell the land for houses.

Orbit’s scheme is made up of 100 per cent “affordable” units spread over five new apartment blocks.

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The housing association has put forward an “outline planning application” asking the council for approval in principle.

In its planning statement the developer said: “This development, if approved, will provide much needed, modern fit-for-purpose accommodation for 48 new households.

“If approved by the London Borough of Bexley, would see an un-used bit of scrubland sold off by the London Borough of Bexley turned into a right and just expansion of the community of Howbury Lane.”

The final designs of buildings are yet to be agreed but the scheme, if approved, will provide 47 car parking spaces.

The plans are currently being considered by experts at the council with a decision expected in the coming months.