A STRETCH of land known as the running field is to be developed as a new estate.

People living in the Carlton Road area of Sidcup have been fighting for 12 years to save the 3-acre field.

But Bexley Council's planning committee approved plans from George Wimpey South London to build 42 houses and 33 flats.

Residents made a last-ditch plea urging councillors to preserve it as an open field.

Resident Paul Brady said: "This is a quiet road in a conservation area which is slowly but surely being overrun by redevelopments all of them seriously damaging the infrastructure for residents."

In the recent past at least three large houses in the road have been given permission for redevelopment as flats.

Mr Brady and others were also concerned about traffic volumes, particularly at the junction of Carlton Road and Elm Road.

The proposed new development will also create a new road opposite the Carlton resource centre for adults with mental disabilities. Parent John Stanton was one of many who voiced concerns about the safety of the centre's 131 clients.

But managing director of the developers, David Huggett, promised: "I will make sure the safety of the centre is not compromised."

The plans were approved by seven votes to four despite concerns about the density of the development.