Plans to demolish a row of Belvedere shops to make way for new commercial space and 38 new homes have been put to Bexley Council.

Orca Real Estate have lodged the scheme to redevelop the shops at 21 Picardy Street, in order to build new housing on top.

Their plans would see new commercial space built on the ground floor, while nine one-bedroom, 28 two-bed and a single three-bedroom apartment would be built above.

Eighteen car park spaces would be included as well.

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An artist's impression of how the new building could appear. 

The plans require the demolition of at least five shopfronts currently at the site, including a Papa Johns, a Kwiksave and a bakery.

The redeveloped business space would have a slightly reduced foot print according to planning documents, with access to the residences above eating into the space.

The developers state the move would “greatly intensify” use of the site, which they say is currently under-used with its sole occupants being the single-storey row of stores.

Developers added the proposal provides a mix of commercial and residential use befitting the area.

However, while policy states that 35 per cent of homes in developments should be classified as affordable, developers have put forward just 18 per cent – or seven units.

The developers state any more would make the project unviable – something the council will have to weigh up when it comes time to make a decision on the proposal.