The Renewal, Recreation and Housing Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a proposal to submit the Chipperfield Road scheme to the Local Authority Housing Fund 4 programme (LAHF). The committee agreed to support the recommendations outlined in report HPR2025/058, which aims to deliver permanent measures to reduce the burdens and cost pressures of temporary accommodation. The proposals include building 123 affordable homes and a new gymnastics centre for the Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club (BVGC).

Local Authority Housing Fund - Round 4

The committee reviewed a report concerning the Local Authority Housing Fund 4 (LAHF) and the proposed use of its indicative allocation of £27.6 million. The fund is designed to support the council with permanent measures to reduce the burdens and cost pressures associated with temporary accommodation.

The Head of Regeneration explained that the proposed scheme for the Chipperfield Road site includes:

• Delivery of 123 affordable housing dwellings on a site that has been allocated in the Local Plan since 2019.
• Re-provision of a modern, environmentally sustainable gymnastics centre, to be handed over to Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club under a full repair and insurance lease.
• Flexibility in tenure mix, including discounted market rents and some social rent, to improve financial viability and support council savings on temporary accommodation.
• Commitment to build the gymnastics centre first, with separate access and independent facilities.
• Engagement with Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club with any further stakeholder engagement being led by Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club.
• Consideration of wider impacts, including local schools, health services and parking provision.

The report requested that the Council's Executive approve the submission of the Chipperfield Road scheme to the LAHF programme. It also sought approval for the scheme's inclusion in the Capital Programme at a value of £71.417 million, comprising at least £27.633 million from LAHF, with agreement to add further funding if applicable, and £43.784 million from borrowing.

Members expressed strong support for the proposal, noting its benefits for housing, community facilities and financial sustainability. Questions were raised regarding design costs, housing management expenses and the need to maintain car parking provision. Officers confirmed that design costs outlined in the report included all consultancy fees and that housing management costs will be further reviewed. The gym would be delivered as a planning requirement, with separate budgets and tendering processes.

The committee noted that Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club were supportive of the proposals.

Ward members and Councillor Yvonne Bear, Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation & Housing, welcomed the scheme, highlighting its long-awaited nature and positive impact on local residents and the development of sports in the area.

The committee resolved to support the recommendations outlined in the report.

Councillor Tony Owen, Chairman of the meeting, declared that he had been a supporter of Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club since 1990 and regularly attended Gala events. Councillor Chris Price declared that he had been invited to Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club shows, and Councillor Yvonne Bear declared that her daughter used to attend Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club.