Croydon's Labour Party has labelled their Conservative adversaries "hypocrites" after they unveiled plans to build two blocks of flats on the site of their Thornton Heath offices and social centre.

Labour councillors want the Tories to withdraw the proposal they said will mean the loss of trees and green space at the Croydon North Conservative Association site in Brigstock Road.

Bensham Manor councillor Paula Shaw claims the Conservatives would never sanction such a move in the south of the borough.

She said: "I am absolutely appalled by the Croydon Conservatives' hypocrisy. They object to virtually any developments in the leafy south of the borough, yet here in the north of Croydon they are happy to cash in by proposing to demolish part of our heritage and cram in as many rabbit hutches' as they can."

In her scathing attack, Coun Shaw said the Conservatives had "no respect for this area".

Coun Shaw added: "They would object to the loss of a single tree in Purley or Sanderstead and yet in Thornton Heath or South Norwood they are happy to do it."

The proposal involves demolishing the building to create one two-storey and another three-storey building made up of offices and nine flats.

But Councillor Chris Wright, cabinet member for planning, environment and urban development, denied the move was anything to do with a north-south borough divide and that the application would be judged on its merits.

He said: "If it is not suitable it will be refused. There is very little leeway when it comes to planning and there are strict planning laws as well as the Croydon Plan, which must be adhered to."

He added: "We are under strict rules by the Government to make full use of building land as long as it complies with planning laws. If the density is wrong for the area then the planning people will obviously recommend refusal."

The Croydon Labour Party said the Conservatives' plans flied in the face of their beliefs. But Coun Wright was adamant that the party had not turned its back on its planning policy.

"We do not like backland development nor does the Croydon Plan," he added, "In Brigstock Road there are many similar developments going on so the planners will judge whether this one is in keeping with the area."