MORE sheltered flats have been approved in the heart of Caterham.
A Government planning inspector has upheld an appeal and permitted controversial plans to demolish the Caterham Cars showroom and garage – and build 35 retirement apartments in its place.
Tandridge District Council had refused planning permission last June, following local outcry which included 1,200 Facebook members joining two Save Caterham Cars campaign pages.
Caterham district councillor Jill Caudle said: "I'm very disappointed this has been allowed. So much for localism."
She said more than 60 retirement flats are already for sale in Caterham alone on the Right Move website, adding: "We already have enough in the town without adding more rabbit hutches."
The outcome has drawn fury on the Caterhampage Facebook site. Rosemary Jones wrote: "An utter disgrace. Our young, 'upwardly mobile' residents are being pushed away from their home town."
And Kelly Webb commented: "When are we renaming Caterham to Little Eastbourne?"
Andrew Burgess, managing director of applicants Churchill Retirement Living, said: "We are delighted with the appeal decision. The inspector accepted all our arguments."
The development should be completed by May 2014, he said.
Mr Burgess added: "The misguided action group to save Caterham Cars was a complete red herring and not a relevant planning issue."
No comment was forthcoming from Caterham Cars as the Mirror went to press.