A consultation on controversial plans to demolish and relocate Beckenham Library is now underway.

Campaigners have been fighting council proposals to move facilities to Beckenham Public Hall, making way for a housing development on the existing site.

Residents are invited to share their views in an online survey, which will help determine the "feasibility" of the project.

Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said, “There has been much interest in this whole proposal and I would warmly encourage residents and interested people to make their views known formally as part of the feasibility study.

"I want to reiterate that there is no intention here to close the library, but merely to re-locate it to the heart of the town centre, which will mean investment into the much loved Public Halls building to transform it into a modern library, whilst retaining its current uses.

"We would then be able to use the existing site for much needed housing.”

Labour councillors previously “called-in” the Council executive's decision to investigate relocating the library, developing the site into up to 46 units, with 50 per cent to be allocated to social housing.

An online petition titled “Save Beckenham Library” has also gathered 6000 signatures.

Supporters of the relocation, such as Aisha Cuthbert, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Lewisham West and Penge, argue the relocation would make the library accessible to more residents and free up space for much needed, affordable housing.

Critics say the new site is just a third of the size of the current one, meaning a reduction in services would be likely.

Labour councillors claim the proceeds of sale from the land will go towards a £400,000 maintenance backlog at Beckenham Halls, the consequence of a council policy of "not maintaining its properties unless it is essential."

They further argue that the current location, which is near to Beckenham Spa and Venue 28, makes the library part of a community "hub" which can't be recreated elsewhere.

Former Councillor Rod Reed, of the Beckenham Society, says he has identified three alternative sites for affordable housing in the Beckenham area: Beck House, Copers Cope Road and land to the rear of Churchfields Waste Transfer Station.

He said: Rod Reed said" Incredibly, some of these sites have lain derelict for over twenty years and I recall bringing one of them to the attention of the Council in 2000.

"There is no need to knock down our successful public library for housing when sites already exist within the area.

"Bromley Council could even consider using land to the side of Hayes Library for flats as they own the land and it would keep all the libraries open.

"The Beckenham Road Library is ideal for future expansion as the population is forecast to grow.

"By contrast the Council has admitted in its latest brief to consultants that the Public Halls has no room for expansion and is in any case a smaller space so entirely unsuitable."

To contribute to the consultation, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HQ2KGHQ