An extension of office space is expected to bring 22 new jobs to Crofton Park, with room for start-ups.

Lewisham Council’s planning committee approved the extension of the office space which fronts onto Dalmain Road.

The building will get a two-storey extension, with the 45 staff members on site expected to increase to 67.

Lewisham has one of the smallest employment bases in London, a planning officer told the council’s planning committee.

“The site is part of an employment location. It is one of a number across the borough that have been designated for employment usage,” he said.

“Lewisham has one of the smallest employment bases in London and together with industrial land, local employment locations are part of those policies that seek to grow an employment base and provide sustainable jobs for the local economy.

“Planning policy indicates, where possible, uses in local employment in locations should be intensified,” he said.

But residents around the office space in Dalmain Road who objected the extension described how the area was already busy with workers and businesses.

“[The extension will cause] more traffic, more noise and disturbance,” a resident explained.

“Delivery vans often use residents parking bay and the building is an eye-sore already.

“It is out of character with surrounding area which is residential. It is already too big.

“It is so overbearing it is it has an impact on my mood every day,” she explained.

But the planning officer said there were no issues with the local parking spaces, with six cycle spaces and five parking spaces on-site.

The building’s black metal cladding will be replaced by a lighter shade of timber cladding that will also be used on the extension, according to the officer.