PLANS to turn one of the borough's leading conference centres and hotels into homes have left more than 100 employees facing an uncertain future.

Bromley Council has granted planning to convert Sundridge Conference Centre, Plaistow Lane, Bromley, subject to conditions.

Cathedral Group owns the centre and has told staff the long-term goal is development but cannot confirm if or when it will happen.

The application is subject to requirements such as the building of affordable homes and weatherproofing the site's Grade I Listed mansion.

Development of the centre, which has space for 700 people and bedrooms for 150, also depends on approval from the Government and Greater London Authority.

If plans go-ahead, the Grade I Listed building designed by architect John Nash in 1797, with 22 bedrooms, will become a single residence.

The Grade II Listed coach house would become seven two and three-bedroom houses.

And the 1970s' Butten building, where conferences were held, will be demolished and replaced by two detached houses, 61 two and three-bedroom apartments and underground and surface parking.

Under plans submitted to the council, Cathedral said work could start as early as next January.

An employee told News Shopper: "They have been perfectly honest and open about the development but we feel we are being dangled like carrots because we are facing an uncertain future.

"We need to know what's happening. A lot of people have been here for a long time and we have families to support.

"They've told us nothing about redundancy packages.

"We need to know if it's going to be a reasonable payout or if it's going to be the minimum peanuts."

Bromley Council's executive member for resources and Sundridge and Plaistow ward councillor, Colin Smith, said: "The uncertainty must be very upsetting and I sympathise.

"Those worried about their jobs should press Cathedral to come clean about its plans."

A Cathedral Group spokesman says bosses have held two meetings with staff and a third due to take place before Christmas will happen tomorrow.

A spokesman added: "Notwithstanding the resolution to grant planning, it is Cathedral's intention to continue to operate Sundridge Park as a conference centre for the foreseeable future, with all events and bookings taking place as planned.

"It is very much business as usual."