LEGAL wranglings have resulted in a deadlock over what will become of the site of a demolished building.

Lavender Cottage, Manor Way, Beckenham, was the subject of planning disputes for 10 years, after an application to tear it down and build three detached houses was thrown out.

The 1920s' cottage, which is in a residential conservation area, was eventually illegally bulldozed four years ago, shortly after it was badly damaged in an arson attack.

Landowner Godwin Vella was taken to court by Bromley Council over the demolition of the listed building, but escaped prosecution on a legal technicality.

He has since had applications for a three-storey block of 14 two-bedroom flats and a 2.4m-high perimeter fence refused.

The Maltese businessman has appealed both decisions with the Planning Inspectorate, which hears appeals when residents are in dispute with their councils.

It will hear the appeals within the next six months.

Since the demolition, the site has fallen into disrepair and has been defaced by graffiti, vandalism and flytipping.

Fencing around it has fallen down, allowing vagrants and gangs of youths to regularly congregate in the grounds.

Mr Vella has been served several tidy-up notices by the council and is appealing against the most recent notice, issued last autumn.

Shabana Benson lived next door to the cottage for four years before moving to neighbouring Cedars Road last year.

She said: "The property is a magnet for kids messing around and people are dumping all sorts of rubbish on it.

"It truly bewilders me. I don't know why the council does not consider issuing a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) as this is important land in a conservation area."

News Shopper tried to contact Mr Vella for comment, but was informed by his planning consultant Robinson & Escott he is currently abroad.

Frederick Robinson, a partner in the firm, said: "The council has served a tidy-up notice on him, but his opinion is what's the point?' as it will only get flytipped again.

"There is a shortfall of housing in the borough and we think the council is being unreasonable."

A Bromley Council spokesman described a CPO as "legally complex and a matter of last resort" and reiterated the land is still subject to outstanding planning appeals.