RESIDENTS have hit out at a storage firm for starting to develop a former warehouse without getting planning permission first.

Access Self Storage only submitted an application to Bromley Council last week.

This is despite the developer starting work on the former Arco warehouse in January.

The storage company has already laid a concrete base in preparation for 13 external rental storage units at the site in Cray Avenue, St Mary Cray.

And residents say they have also been disturbed by noisy construction work as the building is transformed into a three-storey storage centre. Bill Daly, who lives behind the site in May Avenue, says he shopped the developers to planning chiefs at Bromley Council, which has since told Access to submit plans. He said: "It's totally underhand. Residents want to see firm plans. I find the entire situation baffling."

Because work has already begun, Access' application is a retrospective submission. But if planners do not agree, the firm could have to reverse any changes made without consent. One issue could be with alterations to the frontage of the building and branding such as logos and signs.

A spokesman for Bromley Council said it is in the process of clarifying the plans with the developer. He said certain aspects need confirmation before being officially open for public consultation.

Access' director of construction Neil Truphet sent a letter to residents last month in a bid to allay fears.

But he admitted he should have submitted plans sooner. He said: "I would have preferred to have put the application in sooner. It is probably an oversight on my part."

Another disgruntled resident, Mary Barnard, said: "It certainly is an oversight, a big one at that.

"How can a big firm forget to apply for planning permission?"

Mr Truphet said he expects work on the site to be complete by May, subject to approval by Bromley Council.