Villagers are up in arms about plans to build a “prison-like” block of flats in Sanderstead.

Already more than 400 people have submitted public objections to a planning application from Quantum Land and Planning Ltd.

The developer wants to build a block of 33 flats at 2-5 Barrowsfield off Limpsfield Road, replacing four existing homes.

If approved they would be made up of five one-bed flats, 14 two-bed and 14 three-bed and include 26 parking spaces and a cycle store for 64 bikes.

But the design of the four/five storey block has angered neighbours who think it does not fit with their “historic village” and adds to congestion in Limpsfield Road.

An artist's rendering of the development

Michael Leach, secretary of the Sanderstead Residents’ Association, described the planned block as looking like a “prison block”.

The 79-year-old said: “If they had looked at the shops and buildings across the road they would have seen there is a style, which is gable roofs.

“Whereas this development is a monolithic block which I would liken to a prison block.”

Andrea Bell has lived in Barrowsfield for more than 20 years and thinks 33 flats at the entrance of the private road is too much.

“We had heard there was going to be development but we thought it would be something in keeping with the area,” she said.

Across the road there are McCarthy and Stone retirement apartments set to open soon which Mrs Bell says fit into the area better. These have been built in a mock Tudor style.

The proposed site

Steve Drysdale’s back garden backs onto the proposed development and he is concerned that it will encroach on his privacy.

The 51-year-old said: “I was surprised how big it is, it will massively invade my privacy.

“It will seriously change things round here, there are not enough parking spaces and only one bus service here – It is not an easily accessible place without a car.”

Chairman of the Sanderstead Residents’ Association, Dennis King, said he is concerned that the size of the development is too big for the area.

He said: “Not only are we concerned about the design but also the sheer size of the development which would be more appropriate for the centre of Croydon.

“The proposed density is more than eight times the average for Sanderstead, and it exceeds the Mayor of London’s maximum density for even far more centralised urban locations.”

MP for Croydon South, Chris Philip, has also strongly objected  to the plans, even starting a petition against them which has been signed about 1,000 times.

He said: “As a borough, we do need to pay close attention to the aesthetic and environmental impact of these developments, and value our few remaining historic communities and green spaces.

“I have objected to this proposal in the strongest possible terms.”

Sanderstead ward councillor, Lynne Hale, has said she is “appalled” by the “monstrous design” of the building.

But the managing director of Quantum, Alastair Morris said the application reflects the evolution of Sanderstead.

He added that information on the Sanderstead Residents’ Association website states the village changed in the early 1900s to provide homes.

Mr Morris said: “We are aware of the large number of objections to our proposed development scheme at Barrowsfield.  Sanderstead Village, has grown and evolved hugely from being rural to suburban since the arrival of the railway and subsequent population growth demands.

“The scheme at Barrowsfield is simply part of the evolution of Sanderstead that has been taking place since the turn of the last century. It’s not unusual for residential planning applications to generate a negative reaction.

“Generally, whilst accepting the need for more housing, local residents would prefer it wasn’t in their own neighbourhood.  Whilst this is completely understandable, it doesn’t contribute positively to the debate around increasing the housing supply that is widely accepted.”

He added that the apartments would provide homes for people who can’t afford the average price of a semi-detached house in Sanderstead.

He continued: “Due to its location the scheme is considered a gateway site.  We have constructively engaged with the local authority to evolve the design and improve the quality of accommodation.

“Architecturally we have worked hard to produce a design that befits its gateway location. Clearly we accept that design and appearance are subjective matters.

“What is not subjective is the substantive evidence that is available of the positive effects that regeneration and new build schemes have on communities.  The economic benefits to the local high street alone will be substantial as will the job creation that comes from constructing the building.”

Croydon Council is set to make a decision on the plans by January 31.