COUNCILLORS have thrown out a controversial housing plan which sparked fury among residents.

The application from children's charity Barnardo's set out proposals to develop a former charity school and its grounds into 55 flats at Knotley Springfield Gardens, West Wickham.

But Bromley Council's planning committee rejected the proposals on January 12, saying the plans were out of character with the surroundings and represented an over-development of the area.

The committee also expressed concerns about road safety in relation to a 50m access road and said the proposed development would be too close to neighbouring properties, creating a strain on services.

Applicant Barnardo's and partner Cala Homes have the right to appeal the decision but at the time of going to press Bromley Council had not received one.

News Shopper reported in December how 200 residents attended a meeting about the plans, many of whom were calling for them to be dropped.