Plans for a new block of flats in Greenwich have been scrapped after over 100 objections were received from locals, with one labelling the structure a ‘monstrosity’.

Greenwich Council has refused plans for a set of 32 flats across a block up to five storeys tall on Crossmead in Eltham.

The proposal was discussed at a planning board meeting for Greenwich Council on July 23 after receiving 135 objections from residents, including all three of the area’s ward councillors and local MP Clive Efford.

Barbara Dryden, who lives next door to the proposed site, described the development as a ‘monstrosity’.

The local claimed she was ‘dumbfounded’ by the recommendations from council officers to approve the block.

She also expressed concerns of her light being blocked out as well as tenants peering into her property.

She said at the meeting: “I say this is unacceptable, 22 flats overlooking my garden? I’ll never have any privacy, I’ll never be able to walk outside without people watching me. I’m feeling that my mental health is going through the roof, I feel like I’m going to have a nervous breakdown over this.”

Neighbours also criticised the effect the structure may have on the Tarn, a nearby wild bird sanctuary.

Susie Bassett, a neighbour and volunteer at the Tarn, claimed the pollutants that would be on the site during the block’s construction was a ‘recipe for disaster’ and would cause devastation to the local wildlife.

The scheme would have seen the existing building on the site, Bridge House, being demolished.

Dr Vincent Smith said at the meeting: “As residents, we are not opposed to responsible development of Bridge House, but that should not be at the cost to the local environment where many people connect with nature.”

Peter Tanner, planning associate at Stantec, said that developers Hikigaya 2 Limited had sought to respect the amenity of neighbouring properties while designing the proposal.

He added that the planning conditions for the scheme would help to prevent any disruption to locals during the construction of the block.

Mr Tanner said at the meeting “The site sits at the corner of Crossmead and Court Road and we see this as a perfect transition between the two character areas.

"It’s an opportunity to increase the housing density on this site whilst respecting the local character and amenity of neighbours.”

Councillors also criticised the lack of affordable housing included in the scheme, with an independent financial review claiming including such flats would not be viable.

The applicant instead offered a financial contribution of £232,500 to provide affordable housing elsewhere.

Mr Tanner claimed the flats in the scheme would be sold at a value that was considered ‘affordable’ to first time buyers in relation to the local area.

He said: “We don’t disagree that the proposed development would be visible from the Tarn but, as the officer confirmed, the existing house and some of the existing larger buildings on Court Road are already visible and we feel that the additional impact of our proposed development would not be so significantly above what is effectively visible at the moment.”

The planning board voted to refuse planning permission for the new flats on Crossmead.

The grounds for the refusal were overdevelopment of the site, the impact on the privacy and amenity of neighbours, and the effect the scheme would have on the Tarn.