COUNCILLORS have rejected plans to build a new four-storey high block of flats next to Sidcup station.

A plan for 14 two-bedroom flats on land between Jubilee Way and the station had been recommended for approval by Bexley planners, but was opposed by residents.

The site is currently overgrown and some of the trees on the land which are covered by preservation orders would have to be felled.

Access to the new development would be via Jubilee Way.

Developer Denave Management Ltd revised its plans, reducing the height of the block by replacing the pitched roof with a flat one.

Part of the railway embankment would have to be cut away to build the block.

Bexley Council's planning control committee was concerned it had not received any comments from Network Rail about any effect it might have on rail safety.

Sidcup councillor Aileen Beckwith objected to the proposals, claiming the flats would be only 3m from the boundary fences of homes in Faraday Avenue.

She was also concerned about the potential flood risk to existing homes and said the proposed loss of 30 trees would destabilise the railway embankment.

Cllr Beckwith and residents claimed the site was home to a variety of wildlife, but conservation body Natural England did not object.

Despite worries about access and traffic, Bexley's highways department was satified and also did not object.

The Bexley Civic Society questioned whether Bexley should allow the land to be developed at all, and said whatever was built there would overlook the homes in Faraday Avenue.

Members of the committee also voiced their concerns about the loss of the trees on the site, the impact on existing ecology and the height and bulk of the block.

Although councillors voted against the plans, they deferred a decision on the application, which will go to the next committee meeting where members will have the opportunity to refuse it.