ANGRY residents have slammed a council's decision to approve plans for 589 homes on the site of an old greyhound track.

Lewisham Council has approved plans for houses and block of flats, up to eight-storeys high, on land at the old Catford Greyhound Stadium between Catford and Catford Bridge train stations.

Despite 138 objections from residents, the proposals were approved by four votes to three by the council's strategic planning committee on October 16.

This paves the way for developer, Countryside Properties, to begin work on an estate which will feature a new community centre as well as space for shops or offices.

But the decision has left nearby residents fuming.

Eamon Dillon, of Dressington Avenue,says the community centre sounds "horrendous" and that there are not enough amenities to deal with an influx of residents.

The 55-year-old said: "Buildings eight-storeys high will be a real eye-sore. It sounds horrendous to me.

"It seems like there will be so many homes crammed into such a small space. I worry for the people who will have to live in these homes.

He added: "I haven't seen anything which suggests there will be enough amenities for all these new people.

"I guess there will be at least 1,500 people there and where will they go to the doctors and where will the kids go to play?"

But Countryside Properties director, Michael Hill, says there is scope for new medical facilities. "If either a doctors' surgery or a dentist approach us about the space that we have available, then we would be happy to accommodate them.

"But when we spoke to the PCT a few years ago they said they had no need for one. But that may change."

He added: "We are making a financial contribution towards the upgrade of the neighbouring Ladywell Fields next door to the site."

Meanwhile David Foster, 45, who lives in Bourneville Road - a two minute walk away from the four-hectare site - says the development will cause major traffic problems.

The married father-of-three said: "We live on a nice quiet residential road and that is the reason we bought a property here.

"We have been told that traffic coming in and out of the site will come down Westdown Road but I can see that it's still going to come down our road.

"It is only a small residential road and it's just not ready for that amount of traffic. Even now - all it takes is a big lorry to come down the road and it causes chaos and congestion. Imagine what it will be like when loads of them come down."

Deputy Mayor for Lewisham, Councillor Heidi Alexander, said: “The council has worked hard with the developers of the site to create a high quality scheme.

"We have taken great care to listen to residents concerns and while I understand not everyone will be happy with this decision, I personally believe it will be good for Catford.

"The development will make excellent use of land which is currently standing idle and completely transform what is – after all let’s face it – an eyesore."