Controversial plans to build a block of flats on a "leafy green and beautiful" Bromley street have been given the go ahead despite dozens of objections.

A previous application for permission to demolish a bungalow, replacing it with a three-storey development at the end of Scotts Lane, was withdrawn last year, having attracted significant criticism.

But developer Hambridge Homes then put two similar applications this April, differing only in the amount of parking spaces included in the plans, which were both approved by the planning board on Monday despite a total of 80 objections.

John Elliott, a 55-year-old heating engineer, who moved into the “prestigious” Scotts Lane with his wife three years ago from nearby Beckenham, feels residents' about the size and suitability of the development have been ignored.

He said: "We will now be subjected to a year of noise, disruption, parking mayhem and added pollution followed by a tower block several metres taller than the existing bungalow (almost 10m tall) directly overlooking our homes and gardens, with a car park and bike store just inches away from our kitchen.

"A precedent has now been set for other properties to do the same, which will destroy the character of one of the few remaining pleasant roads in Shortlands.

"It is laughable how my tiny 2nd floor road facing dormer window for future loft conversion was rejected by Bromley Planning, since it was deemed incongruous to the area, despite no one objecting, yet 80 objections to these modern flats which are clearly incongruous to the area are completely ignored and approved for planning."

Mr Elliot and his wife had planned to renovate their property in order to enjoy their retirement in future years, however are now considering selling their house after learning of the news.

Residents are concerned about the imposing size of the development and many have indicated their dismay that the new building will not fit in with the uniformity of the rest of the “private and secluded” road.

Each of the online planning applications placed earlier this year attracted around 40 objections.

Residents are concerned about the imposing size of the development and that the new building will not fit in with the uniformity of the rest of the “private and secluded” road.

There is also worry about the nearby school, Bishop Challoner, and the impact of the increase of traffic from the flats.