Contentious plans to build houses on top of a church car park in St Mary Cray have been thrown out by Bromley Council.

Developers proposed building seven new terraced houses at a car park close to St Marys Church in the High Street.

Officers have rejected the proposals following complaints from concerned neighbours that losing parking spaces would cause problems for the High Street.

In a new report, planners at the council said the new buildings would be “cramped overdevelopment”.

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Officers said: “It was considered that the development in the manner proposed is unacceptable in that it would constitute a cramped overdevelopment that would impact detrimentally on the character of the Conservation Area.

“The development would appear cramped within the site, with some dwellings provided with very small gardens and all houses provided with integral garages.

“The result is a development that is considered to overdevelop the site, struggling to provide adequate parking arrangements and space around the building.”

Neighbours had complained that new houses would cause big parking problems – but others were keen to see development at a car park known for fly tipping.

One resident said: “For many years local residents have had to put up with this site that has been neglected. It has been used for fly tipping and is always covered in litter. It is fronted by weeds along the foot path and full of pot holes.

“A sympathetic development would make this part of the village look much better and would go some way to restoring the village.”