PLANS to build new homes on a redundant office building site have been turned down for a second time.

Bexley Council planning control committee members had deferred a decision last month on the redevelopment of Athena House, in Station Road, Sidcup, after members indicated they wanted to refuse the plans.

It is the second scheme from Cathedral (Sidcup) for the site which has been refused planning permission.

Councillors said the proposal for a brass-clad building up to nine storey high in places, and housing 98 flats and commercial premises on the ground floor was too large and an overdevelopment.

The company says its plans do not conflict with any planning policies, do not block any strategic views or reduce sunlight to surrounding buildings and homes, do not adversely affect local amenities, preserved trees or listed buildings.

But some councillors said the plans were “totally out of keeping with the area” while others said the proposed building was “interesting, with a character of its own”.

The plans were rejected by 10 votes to two.