A brownfield development which would see a row of old garages in Bexleyheath demolished to make way for new homes is set to be decided by Bexley Council next week.

Council officers have recommended the authority’s planning board grant outline consent to the project on a sliver of land off the road and next to train tracks at 64 Belvedere Road, Bexleyheath.

Under the plans, 12 lock-up garages would be bulldozed, to be replaced by two semi-detached houses.

Council officers have backed the proposal – saying there  is no planning policy which protected the lock-ups.

The authority understands the garages are leased out by the site owner and used primarily for storage.

Four objections to the plans have been received – with some neighbours concerned the developments, likely to be two-stories high, could lead to a loss of their privacy.

The site is also located off the street and is accessed by a narrow road – with some reservations the site could be difficult for emergency service vehicles to access.

However, officers hold a favourable view of the proposals.

“The site is considered a suitable location for residential development and the proposal would contribute towards local housing targets,”a report to be considered by councillors states.

“In terms of design, the illustrative plans show a proposed layout with appropriate a footprint and height of building which would cause no significant harm to surrounding neighbouring amenity.”

Bexley’s planning board is set to meet on September 17.