Councillors have blasted “greedy” developers for trying to concrete over open spaces in Bromley.

Plans have been submitted for a fourth time to build on top of Footzie social club in Lower Sydenham Road.

Developer West and Partners wants to build 151 homes in a block towering eight storeys high at the empty site.

Councillor Michael Tickner said: “This is a blatant attempt to concrete over our precious open spaces.

“Metropolitan open land (MOL) is greenbelt and should be preserved for the exercise and enjoyment of all the new residents who will be moving into the homes being built on brownfield industrial sites nearby.

“Unlike most London boroughs, Conservative Bromley has met its house-building targets. There is no need for greedy developers to build on our parks and open spaces.”

MOL should be protected from developments, according to the Mayor of London’s housing strategies.

Developers have said this latest attempt includes 36 per cent affordable homes, and said it would help Bromley with its housing needs and enhance public space.

The application said: “There is a clear absence of sufficient other readily available new land which will enable the council to meet the current minimum housing targets set by the London Plan, let alone the required increase set by the draft New London Plan.”

This is the fourth attempt by developers to get permission to build on the land.

Previous attempts for bigger developments have been thrown by the council.

Cllr Stephen Wells said: “In simple terms we do seek to protect our green space in Beckenham, while seeking innovative solutions to the need for housing for our young people and young families, including elements of social and key worker housing.”

Cllr Russel Mellor added that a lack of infrastructure, increased traffic, and a lack of GP or healthcare provisions meant that he was against the proposals.

In documents submitted to the council, developer West and Partners said: “Very special circumstances exist in this case, the site is readily available to provide early delivery of high density housing.

“In particular it is a creative proposal which will improve the places in which people live their lives; will deliver the homes, that Bromley, London and the country needs; is a high quality design providing an excellent standard of amenity for all future occupants of the flats and users of the landscaped open space.”

A playground and an outdoor gym has also been included in the plan.

The application is being considered by officers.