By Cameron Blackshaw

Plans to build 12 homes between several gardens have been refused, much to the joy of concerned residents.

Bexley Council’s planning committee threw out the contentious proposal to erect the houses on land south of 58 to 68 Lyndhurst Road, in Bexleyheath, on May 22.

It was the second time the scheme had been discussed, with members having chosen at the previous meeting in April to defer a decision until a site visit was made.

Cllr Jeremy Fosten was one of the four committee members who attended the visit, and said he thought the distance between the proposed homes and the current properties was “completely unacceptable”.

Cllr June Slaughter said she thought the trip was “extremely useful and vital” to understanding the site and the development’s implications on surrounding houses, and also thought the scheme was “unacceptable” due to its proximity to existing homes.

Vanessa Lynam spoke on behalf of several Lyndhurst, Rudland and Brantwood Road residents opposed to the plans, ending her statement by claiming that one of the proposed units would be built just five metres from the boundary of her back garden.

She said: “This scheme crams 12 large family homes into quiet suburban backland made up of rear gardens. It is completely out of character with the existing urban grain.

“The density, height and massing are disproportionate and inconsiderate with surrounding bungalows and two-storey houses. Please ask yourself how you would feel if this were happening to you, your family or an elderly relative.”

Cllr Brian Bishop also spoke on behalf of concerned residents.

He said: “This development effectively removes all the benefits that they have enjoyed in their back gardens, the quiet open space, and behind their back fences, they have the long gardens separating the properties. All this will now be replaced with 12 houses and car parking.

“They do not want the development there. They do not want this type of development in Bexley.

“When people buy a home for its attributes, it should be that. It should not then be dependent on developers subsequently destroying the attributes that made them buy the property in the first place.”

The applicant, Ben Brading, managing director of Lyndhurst Road Developments Limited, spoke in support of the application.

He said: “Our scheme provides safe access for vehicles and pedestrians, there are no adverse effects on privacy and amenity of neighbouring properties, landscaping is retained and enhanced, and the existing proposed dwellings are provided with good garden space.”

As well as the distance between the new homes and the existing ones, members also raised concerns about parking, the lack of affordable housing and road safety, among many other things.

The committee refused the application on the night, resulting in a loud round of applause from the public gallery.