PROTESTING neighbours are in a "race against time" to save one of the only remaining bits of greenery in their street.

Jennifer Colman claims developers are turning Charles Street, Greenhithe, where she has lived for nine years, into a "concrete jungle" after plans were unveiled.

Blue Circle Industries plc has applied to Dartford Council for permission to build one one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats and underground parking in the cul-de-sac.

The three-storey flats will back onto Crossways business park and a railway line.

But Mrs Colman, a 41-year-old catering assistant, says the development will destroy one of the only two remaining plots of open space the street has left.

She and fellow residents are putting together a petition and encouraging neighbours to complain in writing to the council.

Protesters also say the development will create traffic congestion, fear building work will cause them months of misery and say the flats will be too imposing because they will be built on a hill.

They have only eight days left to convince council planners the development should not go ahead.

Mother-of-one Mrs Colman said: "This is another example of developers trying to turn the area into a concrete jungle.

"There will be no green left in Greenhithe soon."

Mrs Colman says Dartford Council had maintained the land until 12 months ago.

And the land had previously been used by children and families as a community play area.

Stone Parish Councillor Thurza Richards said: "The parish opposed the application on May 17 and will continue to do so.

"The area is already over-developed, over-populated and the road is narrow so it will cause problems for two-way traffic."

A spokesman for Blue Circle said: "The proposals have been developed in conjunction with the council.

"We feel this is in a sustainable position as it is within moments of suitable rail links.

"Only a proportion of the land will be developed and the rest will be landscaped."