THERE was a mixed response on Tuesday when Bexley Council agreed to invest more than £8m in Slade Green.
Around 40 people attended the public cabinet meeting on October 18 where councillors decided to provide new community facilities to replace the Howbury site, in Slade Green Road.
Earlier this year the council sold the site to Redrow Homes Ltd, which plans to build around 380 homes.
The council's cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Linda Bailey, told the meeting: "It's a massive investment particularly in this day and age."
To combat the loss of the site, the council plans to build a library, office space, toilets, multi-use games area, changing rooms, storage space for equipment, and car parking.
The proposals also include refurbishing and adding an additional three classrooms to Slade Green Junior School and five extra classrooms at Slade Green Infant School.
Founder of Howbury Friends, Mel Hudson, told the meeting that the current community space is the size of 13 badminton courts but the council plans to replace it with a facility the equivalent of two and a quarter badminton courts.
She said: "There will not be enough space in the proposed community facility to ensure the continuation of all the groups currently running activities or for new services and activities to develop."
Ms Hudson also raised concerns about the cost of accessing the new facilities and an increase in crime if services have to close.
She told councillors: "Life for our community is a struggle, many on benefits or low incomes and the increase in the cost of living is causing real concerns."
Leader of the council, Councillor Teresa O'Neill, assured residents that the council would work with the community.
The construction of the new facilities and the extension of the schools will take place from 2013 to 2015.
Existing Howbury buildings and Slade Green Community Centre will remain open until the new community facilities are ready in 2015.
Discussions with community groups on the design will take place next year.
Councillor Deadman and Councillor Bailey
North End ward councillor, Alan Deadman, said: "North End members cannot support a scheme that is so large but has so little detail.
"It is clear, that whatever happens, Slade Green residents will be getting substantially less than they already have. That is wrong. That is a massive step backwards.
"As councillors we are and will continue to be supportive of investment but only if it is to the benefit of our community."
The council's cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Linda Bailey, said: "This is fantastic news for the residents of Slade Green.
"The Howbury site will consist of not only 380 new family homes, but also the extension and refurbishment of the two Slade Green schools, and the construction of a brand new community centre.
"The conservative administration promised to deliver an enhanced offer for local people, and we have kept that promise"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here