Significant opposition to major plans to redevelop a shopping centre in the heart of Orpington remains, despite the developer’s claims that most residents support the proposals.

Areli Real Estate is proposing to partly demolish and rebuild the Walnuts Shopping Centre, erecting a series of blocks on the High Street, including two 19-storey towers.

Areli claimed the majority of the 1,200 participants in June’s consultation indicated support for the £500m project, however a recent poll of residents gives a different picture.

Stuart Mayer, a retired retail analyst, created the poll on Nextdoor, which involved more than 400 residents.

News Shopper: An artist's impression of how the plans could look (Areli)An artist's impression of how the plans could look (Areli)

Just 9 per cent of participants expressed support for the plans in their current form.

Mr Mayer, who is in his 50s, said: “The shopping centre is unattractive and needs a makeover.

“But what they are implying is that there is support for the two tower blocks in the town centre, along with the rest of it.

“My main concern, which is shared by most people, is that the development would change the very nature of our leafy suburb.

“People fear that it’s just the start of the urbanisation of the area.

“Personally, I accept that we do have a need for more housing, particularly affordable housing.

“But I think a couple of hundred flats would be more reasonable considering other developments over the previous years.”

Mr Mayer claims Areli used the consultation to misrepresent support for the proposals.

Residents were asked "whether high quality public realm improvements and an invigorated town centre square were important”.

Positive responses to this general proposition were used to suggest support for the plans as currently proposed.

Campaigners previously pledged to boycott the shopping centre should the development go ahead, launching a petition which has been signed by nearly 1000 people.

Opponents are now organising in a Facebook group named Nuts to the Walnuts.

Residents claim the two tallest towers would be in breach of policy 48 of the local plan, which protects views by limiting the skyline.

Concerns have also been raised about a lack of parking for the residential units; only 30 per cent of the flats would have a space.

Just 10 to 20 per cent of homes are currently earmarked as ‘affordable’. Residents fear that the development will fail to meet the requirements of those on low income already living in the borough, instead being sold to investors overseas.

A spokesperson for Areli Real Estate said: “We are very pleased to have undertaken one of the most extensive consultation exercises ever held in the Borough.

"This process began in early 2020 and despite being disrupted by COVID included correspondence with 41,000 households, several public exhibitions in different locations, several web-based events and more than 2,500 conversations directly with people over 150 hours to date.

"We have now collated over 1,200 pieces of feedback and can confirm the majority of those we have engaged with are supportive of the exciting, once in a generation opportunity to transform Orpington High Street.

"Orpington is recognised in the London Plan as one of the 35 Major Town Centres in Greater London.

"Furthermore, the application submission will be accompanied by a comprehensive heritage, townscape and visual impact assessment, the viewpoints for which have been agreed with Council officers.

"This includes assessment of the relevant local viewpoints defined by Local Plan Policy 48.

"Our policy compliant scheme will ensure sufficient car parking spaces for both shoppers and residents, as well as 1,800 proposed cycle spaces.

"We will also have a number of car club spaces which we know are very popular for those who do not wish to own a car but would still like the option to drive.

"From the very start of the process, we have always made it clear that the new retail offer would be focused on quality, local, independent retailers, restaurants, bars and creatives.

"We firmly believe that local and independent occupiers reflect the future of the high streets and that this approach will provide Orpington with a distinctive and vibrant town centre.

"We continue to listen carefully to businesses, residents, both young and old, as we bring forward our £500m plans that are deliverable and offer significant benefits in order to create a vibrant town centre for people of all generations to live, work and enjoy.”

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