Locals have blasted plans to knock down a library for flats in South London, with the new building being called “extremely dominating” and “woefully” planned.

Bexley Council has received plans to bulldoze the library in Sidcup for a new four-storey apartment block.

The plans were sent by BexleyCo, the council’s development company, and include 32 new flats.

Several locals have written to the council in objection to the plans. One of the concerns for the application was summarised in council documents as: “The building is too big; the design does not relate to its surroundings.”

The Bexley Civic Society also objected to the plans, saying the four-storey building “dwarfs” nearby two-storey homes.

News Shopper: Sidcup Library on 2A Hadlow Road, which has since been replaced by a new library on the High StreetSidcup Library on 2A Hadlow Road, which has since been replaced by a new library on the High Street

Conservative Councillor June Slaughter, who represents the Sidcup ward, said the new building was “completely out of character” next to the Edwardian and Victorian houses in the area.

The councillor said: “The building is too high for this site… Other buildings in this part of the road do not exceed three storeys.

"Being at the top of a hill, the building will appear extremely dominating.”

Planning documents from Stitch Architects, on behalf of BexleyCo, said the designs had been made after two online consultations with councillors and the local community.

They said: “Feedback from these important stakeholders has been considered in the design response which seeks to deliver a scheme that is sensitive to neighbours and sits comfortably in its context, bringing high-quality homes, activity and security to this town centre site.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

Cllr Slaughter also said the plans had a “woeful” lack of provision for community space, saying residents may feel socially isolated.

Planning documents said a small communal garden and planting areas would be included outside the building.

They said: “This space has been kept to a minimum to avoid encouraging large gatherings and noise disturbance for residents.

"It does however provide a small ‘breathing space’ and doorstep amenity for under 5’s.”

They added: “The proposed building injects new life into the town centre with a smart and elegant frontage framing the route to the High Street along Hadlow Road.

"It replaces the library building with a confident facade that sits comfortably behind the existing mature trees.”

The plans to knock down the building come after a new council library opened in December last year on the nearby Sidcup High Street.

The application will be discussed at a planning meeting for Bexley Council on March 2.