A CONTROVERSIAL bid to demolish a Kent church for housing was withdrawn at the 11th hour last night – the third time in so many years.

An application was submitted to knock down St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church – in a conservation area of St Mary Cray – and re-build it at about half the size.

The Archdiocese of Southwark wanted to generate cash by building two four-bed semis and six three-bed terraces on the spare land, in the High Street.

Many angry neighbours oppose the plans, claiming they would worsen congestion, noise and pollution as well as kill off a haven for wildlife such as badgers, bats and rare stag beetles.

The application was withdrawn at a Bromley planning committee meeting last night, despite council planners recommending it for approval.

Two previous similar applications were withdrawn in 2004 and 2006.

It is not clear yet why the latest bid was pulled – and whether it will be resubmitted.