Residents' bid to stall the redevelopment of a shopping centre by having it registered as a community asset has been refused.

The New Ash Green Shopping Centre Preservation Group had hoped to delay plans for the site for up to six months to give them time to consider options to buy the precinct themselves.

The centre, in New Ash Green, Longfield was sold in January to a mystery buyer.

The purchased plot includes Ash Green Village Pharmacy, Partners Cafe and Gift shop, Ash Green Fish and Chips and Spice Village – some of which have been in the village for more than 20 years – and the flats above them, with the exception of the Co-Op’s supermarket and its upper floor.

But worried residents, fearful the site could be demolished and replaced with housing, have mounted a campaign to try and preserve and improve the centre.

The latest tactic was to have it registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which would give it certain protections.

If they were listed for sale, for instance, locals would be entitled to a moratorium period of six months to determine if they can raise the money to buy the asset themselves.

However, the proposal was turned down by the council due to the residential properties on the site.

The group's adaption of their application, to include just the car park and public toilets, was also rejected.

New Ash Green resident Laura Manston founded the preservation group, which now has more than 800 members.

She said the setback would not stop them fighting to ensure any plans for the area are in the best interests of the residents.

As part of that the group is creating its own vision for the centre, following a public consultation, which it is to present to the new owners.

"We were disappointed to learn that Sevenoaks Council rejected our ACV application for all or part of our village centre," she said.

"But we will continue with our Vision Document, which will assist any new owners with understanding what it is that the village wants and needs and we remain optimistic for the future of New Ash Green."

A spokesman for Sevenoaks Council said: “We are always grateful to receive nominations for Assets of Community Value.

"Both nominations were carefully considered and in this case, we also carried out a site visit.

“Based on the legal advice we received, the nominations did not meet the threshold for becoming Assets of Community Value, as set out in the government’s guidance.

"However, we are aware there is local concern about the future of the centre. Should the owners wish to develop the site, they would need to apply for planning permission and there would be an opportunity for the public to comment on any proposals.

“Outside of the formal planning process, we will continue to work with the community and the owners of the centre, as we have for over 20 years, to play an active role in shaping a positive, shared vision for the future of the village centre.”

Residents united earlier this year to create their vision for the newly sold shopping precinct, including a children's skate park, a better choice of unique shops and a variety of food outlets.

More than 200 people crammed into New Ash Green Village Hall in February to voice their concerns and aspirations for the future of New Ash Green Shopping Centre after it was sold in February.

Ideas put forward by the residents include facilities to reduce anti-social behaviour, such as a skate park, an outdoor gym or an entertainment centre.

There were also suggestions of ways to combat loneliness, including community seating or a small children's play area for youngsters to gather and parents to meet. There were also appeals for more independent shops and the possible introduction of market stalls.