An application for a -storey development at Shepherds Leas from the Labour-run Council's developer, Meridian Home Start, has been rejected by the Council's own Planning Board.

More than 5,000 residents signed petitions against this highly inappropriate proposal, and there were 500 formal objections to the Planning Application, against just 8 expressions of support.

Conservative councillor Pat Greenwell spoke at the meeting against the scheme, as did many local residents, the Eltham Society and the Friends of Oxleas Woods, who have all been campaigning against the proposal. Conservative MP for next door Old Bexley & Sidcup constituency, Louie French, and Conservative councillors on the Bexley side of the border have also campaigned against the plan.

The new Labour Leader of Greenwich Council, Councillor Anthony Okereke, was a strong supporter of the plan and - in a highly unusual move for a Council Leader - Okereke attended the Planning Board himself to speak in its favour. The Planning Board refused to grant permission.

Councillor Pat Greenwell, Conservative councillor for Eltham Town & Avery Hill ward, said: "I would like to thank all of the speakers and residents who came along to the meeting and all those people who sent in objections. I will keep everyone informed of any future news on the future of the site. If modified plans return that do not take into account residents' concerns, I will not hesitate to oppose it again."

You can read a detailed write-up of the meeting on the local 853 news website here and you can watch a video of the meeting in full here.