PLANS for housing development at the historic Holwood Estate, in Keston, have won crucial support from Bromley councillors.

Bromley Council's development control committee left the proposals for nine cottages and 84 apartments undecided, after objections from London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

Plans for housing on the estate, off Westerham Road, also include the restoration of the Grade I listed mansion, currently on the English Heritage register of buildings at risk.

But comments from the Mayor of London opposing the design and lack of social housing led to a deferral.

Previous proposals to develop the site were thrown out in March by the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, who accepted the likelihood of some development but rejected plans to build on unspoilt green belt land.

Developer Nicholson Estates designed the new plans with his comments in mind.

A spokesman for the Holwood Action Group, formed to oppose the original plans, said it supported the new proposals with reservations about the number of flats.

Committee chairman Tony Wilkinson called the delay "frustrating" and added: "Design is a matter of personal taste and we believe the design is in keeping with the setting of the Holwood Estate."

Nicholson Estates will now have to discuss their plans with the London Mayor in the hope of reaching agreement.