PLANS to redevelop a hospital site and destroy a Second World War underground hospital are facing fierce opposition from neighbours.

Bexley Primary Care Trust (PCT) wants to create a new children’s development centre at Erith Hospital, in Hind Crescent, Erith, and new outpatient facilities.

But people whose homes back onto the site are angry the bunker will be destroyed and grounds developed.

An application has already been made to the Minister for Culture, Media and Sport to give the bunker listed status.

Mike Worsley, who lives in Buxton Road, says the area is a wildlife haven and added: “Now it is proposed this be destroyed and replaced with a 75-space car park.

“The planning report claims we support the removal of the bunker because we regard it as a health and safety and security risk.

“But no-one has ever spoken to us about it.” He and other neighbours have already contacted the Imperial War Museum and bird charity the RSPB about the plans.

A PCT spokesman told News Shopper it was asking for outline planning permission for the scheme and would hold public meetings in the autumn before a detailed application is made.

The Department of Health will liaise with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about listed status for the bunker and the plans may be modified depending on the decision.

He added until the issue was resolved it would not be appropriate to have public consultations and neighbours’ privacy would be safeguarded.