Residents were dismayed when councillors approved a controversial planning application despite voicing their own opposition to it.

South of the borough councillors gave the green light to 13 affordable flats on the site of a car wash in Bridge Road, Chessington, at a neighbourhood committee meeting on Wednesday.

The car wash will be demolished.

A 309-signature petition was submitted opposing the four-storey block, but councillors said their hands were tied and approval had to be given to avoid a costly appeal by developer Paragon.

Tolworth and Hook Rise Councillor Vicki Harris, chairman of Kingston Council’s development control committee, said: “The planning inspector has got us over a barrel. I don’t like it – I hate it. But it complies with policy.

“We have another example of a developer trying to squash a quart into a pint pot.”

Arthur Burt, 89, a 30-year resident of Compton Crescent near the site, dismissed councillors’ “limp excuses” for approving the plans.

He added: “The one thing nobody thinks about is that they will bring in clients of their own. None of the local residents will be offered an opportunity.”

Convenience shop owner and North Parade resident Mokan Selva said the proposed building next door will overshadow his home.

He said: “It is completely unacceptable. They will have to find out next election.”

He would have supported a drive-through McDonald’s over the planned flats, he said.

Councillors worried parking in the area would become difficult if they approved the plans.

Late material submitted by Paragon said it “intends to discourage car ownership” by discussing public transport options with prospective tenants.

Three parking bays will be created on the site, plus space for 16 bicycles.

Committee chairman Coun Rachel Reid drew discussion to an end before a vote.

She said: “There are no material grounds for refusal. I am not happy about it, but it seems that we are going round in circles.”

Four councillors voted in favour, with two against and two abstentions.

The result was met with jeers from members of the public in the Hook Centre’s community hall.

Coun Margaret Thompson said: “I just barely see the point of councillors considering [applications]. We have to go with it. It is not democracy.”