A CONTROVERSIAL redevelopment will go ahead after inspectors overturned a council decision.

Residents and councillors had argued that the seven-storey development at the old Grove Market Place site in Eltham High Street was unsuitable for the area and would badly affect the building’s neighbours.

The application was refused by Greenwich Council but following an appeal in November by developer Eltham Renaissance, The Planning Inspecorate has allowed the project to go ahead.

The building would contain 129 one, two and three-bedroom flats, two shops, four restaurants, a GP surgery and communal gardens.

In his report planning inspector Robin Brooks said: “There would be some harm to neighbours’ living conditions, notably in terms of loss of open outlook.

“However, that harm is not in itself a compelling objection and in my judgement is outweighed by the benefits the proposal would bring, particualrly in terms of helping support and regenerate the town centre in line with local, London-wide and national planning policy.”

Judy Smith from the Old Page Estate Residents Association, which had argued against the plans, said: “I think my members are disappointed the inspector didn’t some modifications particularly to the height, and we’re still concerned about the parking provision.

“I was a bit surprised because I thought the case for something that better suited Eltham was a strong one.

“But now the decision is made we hope the current economic slowdown will not be used as an excuse for further delay.”

Campaigner Veronica Denyer, 60, of Court Yard, said: “Although the appeal was thorough, I think the wrong decision has been reached.

“Unfortunately the inspector's opinion that the proposed development is appropriate for Eltham's town centre is not shared by the local residents.”

Project director of developer Cathedral Martin Wood said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Planning Inspector granted planning permission for this important scheme.

"The whole team worked tirelessly to bring this scheme forward, with the objective of creating a catalyst for the renaissance of Eltham’s Town Centre”.