THE Big Yellow Self Storage Company hopes to persuade planning chiefs to approve its plans for a warehouse at the seventh attempt.

Since 2001 the multinational company has had six applications rejected to build a trademark yellow-bricked warehouse, in Baring Road, Lee.

Now it hopes to make it seventh time lucky by smothering the yellow "eyesore" with 32 new flats.

Campaigners have successfully foiled Big Yellow's previous applications, claiming a warehouse is inappropriate for a residential area.

Its last proposal was thrown-out at a public inquiry in January but the company still owns the land and remains determined to build on it.

Big Yellow property and construction director Philip Burks hopes the promise of new homes will persuade planning bosses to change their view.

He said: "We are very excited at the prospect of being able to provide more new homes in Lewisham.

"We hope to work with the council and the community to regenerate this important site and provide new homes and jobs."

Grove Park ward councillor Barrie Anderson says he is in no mood to co-operate.

He said: "This is an appalling design. It does not fit in with the context of the site.

"They are trying to bamboozle the planners but putting up a few houses does not solve the problem."

Lee resident Bob Walker says the development will lead to more congestion and is also concerned about access.

He said: "It is all very well having these flats and a warehouse but how are people going to get in and out? It will make traffic 1,000 times worse."

The plans would see 26 one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom flats built on the site, with 11 properties reserved for key workers.

A public notice giving details on the application was published last week.

Residents have 13 weeks to respond and the plans can be viewed in full at Lewisham Town Hall.