A BEXLEY tennis club has been accused of trying to

locate a "hideous monstrosity" next to people's homes.

Bexley Lawn Tennis and Squash Racquets Club, in Parkhurst Road, Bexley, applied for permission to erect an air hall over two of its tennis courts for part of the year.

The hall, inflated by motor-driven fans, would be 10m high and cover an area of 34m by 32m.

Andrew Chandler, from Parkhurst Road, said the inflated covering would block out excess daylight and would be a glowing plastic structure at night.

Megan Allen, for the club's planning consultants, pleaded to be allowed to withdraw the application so the club could provide more information.

But ward councillor Colin Campbell said the application had been made in September last year and that "it took the biscuit" to ask for more time at the last minute.

He described the proposal as a "monstrosity" and added it would be a "carbuncle" on the site.

The club is on the edge of a conservation area and Councillor Peter Hollamby, chairman of the conservation advisory committee, said the air hall would be "an abomination".

The plan was unanimously rejected.