NEIGHBOURS are celebrating after a plan to demolish houses and build eight homes was rejected.

Around 80 households opposed a planning application to demolish two properties in Chestnut Avenue, West Wickham, and in its place build eight semi-detached houses with garages.

They said it represented a back garden development.

Bromley Council’s planning team refused the application before it reached a committee hearing claiming it would result in a cramped over-development and lead to loss of garden.

Earlier this year chairman of the council’s development control committee Councillor Alexa Michael vowed the council would fight any garden developments, under changes announced by the government.