BUILDING plans for the last major redevelopment site in Bexley Village have been given a unanimous thumbs up from Bexley councillors.

Bellway Homes was forced to make a number of changes to the scheme to build homes on the former site of the Mill Garage in Bexley Village High Street, after objections from ward councillors.

The former car dealership, there since the 1920s, is bordered on one side by the railway line and on the other by the River Cray.

It is also next to the locally listed Old Mill, now converted to flats and offices, and the Grade II listed Cray House.

It is also a key site in the Old Bexley Conservation Area and in a flood zone.

The land will now be redeveloped to provide 70 new flats spread over two buildings which will be between two and 3.5 storeys high.

These will include 25 one-bedroom, 33 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom homes.

To take account of the flood risk, some of the parking will be at ground level under the flats and part of the High Street will be used for commercial offices.

Twenty-two of the homes closest to the railway line, will be affordable homes for Gallions Housing Association.

At the rear of the flats will be more car parking and an open amenity area including a flower meadow, orchard and natural children’s play area.

A number of nearby residents objected to the plans saying there were too many flats and not enough parking spaces.

Bellway says the scheme will enhance the conservation area and reflect the character of the surrounding buildings.