This week in Bromley:

Pension Fund Faces Slight Dip, But Long-Term Outlook Remains Strong

The Pensions Committee met on Wednesday 3 June 2026 to review the performance of Bromley's Pension Fund. While the fund saw a slight decrease in value in the last quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, its long-term performance remains robust.

The fund's market value stood at £1,593.2 million at the end of March 2026, a decrease of £25.2 million from the previous quarter. The total fund return for the fourth quarter was -1.08%, underperforming its benchmark of -0.63%. This underperformance in the short term, however, contrasts with historically strong medium and long-term returns. The committee was reassured by the fund's strong rankings against other Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds over 10, 20, and 30-year periods.

The committee also received updates on market volatility, with the Pensions Investment Advisor noting that while geopolitical developments can cause short-term fluctuations, pension fund investments are managed for the long term. No immediate action was recommended in response to current market movements.

The meeting also covered the financial implications of early retirements, with an estimated total administration cost of £9.1 million for the year. The committee was also scheduled to consider the appointment of a Scheme Member representative to the Local Pension Board.

The legal framework for the scheme is governed by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Regulations 2013 and the LGPS (Management and Investment of Funds) Regulations 2016. These regulations set out the rules for managing and investing the pension fund, ensuring its sustainability for current and future retirees.

Link to the Pensions Committee meeting

Licensing Decisions Highlight Community Impact and Business Viability

The General Purposes and Licensing Committee met on Thursday 4 June 2026, with several licensing decisions having a direct impact on local communities and businesses. The committee reviewed minutes from various Licensing Sub-Committee meetings, revealing a range of outcomes for local establishments.

Orpington Eatery's Licence Refused Due to Concerns

A significant decision involved the refusal of a new premises licence for Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar at 140 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0JS. Objections from residents, a residents' association, local councillors, and responsible authorities centred on concerns about potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety, particularly given the late operating hours and proximity to residential properties. The applicant's criminal record, including drug offences, also raised serious questions about their suitability to operate such a venue. The committee concluded that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to operate the premises, demonstrating a commitment to protecting residents from potential harm.

Local Businesses Granted Licences with Conditions

In contrast, other local businesses received licences with specific conditions to mitigate potential issues. Cleaves Express in Orpington was granted a new premises licence for the sale of alcohol off the premises, subject to conditions including CCTV, a Challenge 25 policy, staff training, and an incident register. Similarly, Mide Afro Mart at 109 Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley, BR1 5AB also received a licence with similar conditions, despite resident objections concerning anti-social behaviour and litter. The committee's approach here balances the needs of local businesses with the need to maintain neighbourhood amenity.

Premises Licence Revoked for Non-Compliance

Pierluigi's at 86-90 High Street, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1ED had its premises licence revoked. The Metropolitan Police applied for a review due to repeated unsuccessful attempts to obtain CCTV footage essential for an ongoing investigation. The committee drew adverse inferences from the lack of cooperation, highlighting the importance of compliance with licensing regulations.

Other Decisions

The committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for Old Dunstonian House Club, which was granted with conditions. An application for a variation to the premises licence for Ornithology Bars & Restaurants Ltd was refused, as the proposed operation did not constitute a substantial meal as required by licensing objectives.

These decisions underscore the committee's role in balancing economic development with the need to safeguard public health, safety, and well-being.

Link to the General Purposes and Licensing Committee meeting

Civic Centre Redevelopment Moves Forward with Planning Approval

The Development Control Committee met on Monday 1 June 2026 and approved planning permission for significant works at the Bromley Civic Centre, located at Stockwell Close. This decision paves the way for improvements to this key civic building.

The committee also approved a minor material amendment to a planning permission at Unit 2A Farnborough Way, Orpington, BR6 7DH for ALDI Stores Ltd. The amendment to condition 18 will require the new haulier to achieve Bronze Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) membership (or equivalent) prior to occupation, with a commitment to achieve Silver membership within two years of the store opening. This decision followed objections from the Farnborough Village Society and local residents who argued that Bronze FORS was insufficient. The committee's decision reflects a compromise, balancing the applicant's challenges with achieving Silver accreditation by the store's opening date against the need for enhanced safety and environmental standards.

The committee also noted the HPR Planning KPIs, which provide an overview of the planning department's operational performance.

Link to the Development Control Committee meeting

Other matters

Pension Fund Performance and Updates

The Pensions Committee met on Wednesday 3 June 2026. The committee reviewed the performance of the Pension Fund for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The fund's market value decreased by £25.2 million, and the total fund return was -1.08%, underperforming its benchmark. However, long-term returns were noted as strong. The committee also received updates from the Chairman, Director of Finance, and Pensions Investment Advisor, and was scheduled to consider the appointment of a Scheme Member representative to the Local Pension Board.

Link to the Pensions Committee meeting

General Purposes and Licensing Committee Reviews Appointments and Licensing Decisions

The General Purposes and Licensing Committee met on Thursday 4 June 2026. The committee considered nominations for representatives to serve on various outside bodies and partnerships. The agenda also included a review of the committee's work programme and matters outstanding from previous meetings. Crucially, the committee reviewed minutes from several Licensing Sub-Committee meetings, detailing decisions on new premises licences and licence variations, including refusals and revocations.

Link to the General Purposes and Licensing Committee meeting

This week in Bromley:

Children's Home Approved Despite Officer Concerns, Highlighting Need for Vulnerable Youth Services

The Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 met on Thursday 21 May 2026 and made a significant decision to approve the change of use for Leafy Grove House, located at 82 Heathfield Road, Keston, BR2 6BG, from a dwelling to a residential children's home for up to four children aged between 8 and 17. This decision was made against the recommendation of council officers, who had initially recommended refusal.

The committee members emphasised the critical need for such facilities within the borough to support vulnerable young people. They concluded that adequate parking, manoeuvring space, and access would be provided, and that the proposal would not lead to a significant increase in traffic generation. Furthermore, the committee felt that the outward appearance of the property would remain that of a large dwelling, thus having no significant impact on the residential character of the area. Concerns regarding heritage assets, intensification of use, and impact on neighbouring amenities were considered manageable or outweighed by the benefits of providing a much-needed service. A legal agreement was required prior to the approval.

This decision underscores the council's commitment to providing care for children in need, a key aspect of its responsibilities under the Children Act 1989. The approval, despite officer reservations, highlights the complex balancing act the council undertakes when considering planning applications that directly impact the welfare of its youngest residents.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 meeting

Green Belt Protection Takes Precedence Over Traveller Accommodation Needs

In a decision that prioritises environmental protection, the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 refused planning permission for the retrospective use of land at Meadow View, Salt Box Hill, Biggin Hill, for six caravan pitches for residential use by Gypsy and Travellers. The primary reason for refusal was that the proposal constituted inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

The committee found that the development would cause harm to the openness of the Green Belt and conflict with the fundamental purposes for which land is included in the Green Belt. While acknowledging an unmet need for traveller accommodation, the committee determined that very special circumstances had not been demonstrated to outweigh the significant harm to the Green Belt. Additional concerns were raised about the sustainability of the location due to poor public transport links, which could further isolate residents. This decision reflects the council's duty to protect designated Green Belt land, as outlined in national planning policy.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 meeting

Other Matters

Sports Facility Expansion Approved at Old Wilsonians Sports Club

Planning permission was approved for the installation of an outdoor padel court with enclosure and four floodlights at the Old Wilsonians Sports Club. The committee recognised the sporting and community benefits of the proposal, noting that it would not significantly impact the function, appearance, or openness of the designated Urban Open Space. Environmental Health and Highways Officers raised no objections, and conditions were to be imposed to manage noise and lighting impacts.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 meeting

New Residential Units Refused Due to Scale and Character Concerns

Planning permission was refused for the demolition of an existing building and the erection of nine residential units (three three-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats) at 2 Orchard Road, Bromley. The refusal was based on the proposed development being out of character with the surrounding area due to its scale, height, and massing. The committee felt it would be an overdevelopment of the site and would have a detrimental impact on the visual amenities of the area. Concerns were also raised about the adequacy of the proposed access and its potential impact on highway safety.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 meeting

Commercial Property Upgrades Granted at Westmoreland Place

Permission was granted for the removal of an existing air handling unit and the installation of replacement condenser units and a cellar cooling unit at 23 Westmoreland Place, Bromley. The committee noted that the proposal would improve upon existing arrangements by upgrading an old system, with no objections from Environmental Health. The new units were expected to reduce noise emissions, thereby lessening the impact on neighbouring residential amenity while adequately servicing the existing commercial premises.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 meeting

Council Governance Structure Discussed

The Development Control Committee met on Monday 18 May 2026. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the proportionality of plans sub-committees, membership of sub-committees, and the appointment of chairmen and vice-chairmen.

Link to the Development Control Committee meeting

Annual Council Meeting Held

The Council convened for its annual meeting on Monday 18 May 2026. The agenda included the election of a Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the appointment of a Leader of the Council and the Executive, the allocation of committee seats and the appointment of chairmen and vice-chairmen, and a review of the Scheme of Delegation to Officers.

Link to the Council meeting

Adult Care and Health Committee Discusses Health Scrutiny

The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 18 May 2026. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the proportionality of the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee, its membership, and the appointment of its chair and vice-chair.

Link to the Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting

General Purposes and Licensing Committee Reviews Sub-Committee Structure

The General Purposes and Licensing Committee was scheduled to convene on Monday 18 May 2026. The meeting's agenda focused on the structure and composition of the council's sub-committees, including proportionality, membership, and the appointment of chairmen and vice-chairmen.

Link to the General Purposes and Licensing Committee meeting

This week in Bromley:

New Cider Business Faces Scrutiny Over Residential Location

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 24 April 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for POM CIDER LTD, a business seeking to sell alcohol off the premises at 19 Madeline Road, Penge, London SE20 8AY. The application proposed operating hours from 09:00 to 19:00 daily.

The core of the discussion revolved around the location of the business within a residential area. The Planning Authority lodged an objection, citing concerns about potential public disturbance and nuisance. They argued that using a dwelling for business sales and alcohol deliveries would necessitate a planning application for a change of use from residential to business.

POM CIDER LTD described themselves as a small artisan cider brand, producing around 1,000 litres annually. They stated the premises would primarily be for storage and dispatch of wholesale orders, with infrequent direct customer interactions. They emphasised there would be no signage, shop front, or passing trade, and that activities would be difficult to distinguish from ordinary residential use.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was tasked with determining the application, considering the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030¹ and any representations. The potential outcomes ranged from granting the licence in full, to granting it with amendments or additional conditions, or refusing it entirely. This decision highlights the delicate balance between supporting new local businesses and ensuring the peace and amenity of residential neighbourhoods.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Held

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 24 April 2026. The meeting was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for POM CIDER LTD. No video of the meeting was provided.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Bromley:

Licensing Decisions Could Impact Local Communities and Businesses

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 17 April 2026 to consider new premises licence applications for two establishments: Mide Afro Mart and Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar. These decisions have the potential to affect local residents through noise, public nuisance, and crime, as well as impact the viability of local businesses.

Mide Afro Mart: Concerns Over Off-Licence Impact

An application for a new premises licence for Mide Afro Mart, an off-licence at 109 Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley, BR1 5AB, was reviewed. The proposed hours of operation are 09:00 to 23:00 daily for the off-site sale of alcohol. Crucially, four objections were received from residents who raised concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. They fear that a new off-licence could worsen existing issues such as anti-social behaviour, littering, and noise in the area. The report indicated no objections from responsible authorities or local councillors, but the resident concerns highlight the direct impact such licences can have on the quality of life in a neighbourhood. The committee had the power to grant the licence as is, modify it with conditions, or refuse it entirely.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar: Late Nights and Music Raise Objections

The committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for the Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar at 140 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0JS. This application sought permission for alcohol sales, late-night refreshment, and live and recorded music, with proposed operating hours extending to midnight on weekdays and 01:30 on weekends. A significant number of objections – 20 in total – were received from residents, a residents' association, local councillors, and responsible authorities. The primary concerns revolved around potential public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety, particularly given the proximity to residential properties and the late hours. The Licensing Authority specifically raised concerns about noise from a newly constructed rear area with a retractable roof. The applicant's history of undertaking significant development work without planning permission also raised questions about their competence and commitment to regulatory compliance. The committee faced a decision on whether to grant the licence in full, with modifications, or refuse it.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Economic Partnership Discusses Local Growth and Armed Forces Support

The Bromley Economic Partnership met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss economic development initiatives and support for the armed forces community. The meeting provided updates on various projects aimed at boosting local businesses and employment, alongside a specific focus on the Bromley Armed Forces Covenant.

Supporting Our Armed Forces

A key agenda item was the Bromley Armed Forces Covenant, presented by Charlotte Ryan, Culture, Projects and Events Manager. This covenant signifies a commitment from the council and the community to ensure fair treatment and support for armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families. Such initiatives are vital for recognising the sacrifices made by those who serve and for integrating them back into civilian life.

Economic Development Service Updates

The partnership received an update on the Economic Development Service's ongoing work. This included progress on the Bromley Works Employment Service, which helps residents find employment through programmes like Connect to Work (C2W) . The Opportunity Bromley website is also being developed into an independent business entity, aiming to provide a more robust platform for economic opportunities. The Elmfield Road Public Realm Regeneration Project is progressing, with design teams appointed to improve the area. Discussions with Network Rail regarding improvements at Bromley South Station were also noted. These efforts are designed to create a more attractive and functional environment for businesses and residents alike.

Partner Updates Highlight Business Activity

Updates from various partners painted a picture of local economic activity. The Glades shopping centre reported new store openings and refurbishments, while the Churchill Theatre highlighted a successful pantomime season. My Time Active noted progress on facility refurbishments. Start Up Bromley continued to support local entrepreneurs, and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shared insights into business confidence, which showed a mixed outlook. Job Centre Plus focused on work experience programmes, and banking and property sector updates indicated a cautious but generally positive economic climate. London South East Colleges (LSEC) reported strong demand for trade skills.

Link to the Bromley Economic Partnership meeting

Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 Considers Housing and Tree Preservation

The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to address several planning applications and the confirmation of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). These decisions will shape local development and protect valuable natural assets.

Children's Home in Keston

A proposal to change the use of Leafy Grove House, a Grade II listed building in Keston, from a single dwelling to a children's home for up to four children aged 8-17 was discussed. The property has been vacant for over two years. The report recommended granting permission, subject to conditions, acknowledging the council's need for children's care homes and the importance of OFSTED registration for such facilities. This decision directly impacts the provision of safe and supportive environments for vulnerable young people.

House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Orpington

The committee considered an application for a first-floor side extension and a change of use from a single dwelling to a four-person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 69 Chelsfield Lane, Orpington, BR5 4HG. This application followed previous refusals for larger HMOs on the same site. The report recommended granting permission, stating that the proposal would provide suitable accommodation and would not unacceptably impact highway safety. The provision of HMOs is a complex issue, balancing housing needs with potential impacts on neighbourhood amenity.

Tree Preservation Orders in Biggin Hill and Cudham

The committee was scheduled to consider objections to two Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). TPO 3046 relates to trees on a green area south of Hanbury Drive, Biggin Hill, and TPO 3051 concerns trees on the west side of Cudham Lane North. In both cases, objections were received from landowners. The report recommended confirming the TPOs without modification, citing the trees' important contribution to the local amenity. Protecting trees is crucial for maintaining green spaces, biodiversity, and the aesthetic appeal of our neighbourhoods.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 meeting

Health and Wellbeing Board Addresses Key Health Priorities

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to review critical health and social care matters, including joint commissioning, health protection, and the Better Care Fund.

Joint Commissioning and Better Care Fund

The Board received an update on the Joint Commissioning Board's work, which oversees integrated health and social care services in Bromley. A key focus was the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27. The BCF is designed to improve health and social care outcomes by fostering collaboration between health and local government services. Decisions made here directly influence the availability and quality of care for residents, particularly older people and those with long-term conditions.

Health Protection and Dementia Support

An update on health protection priorities for 2025/26 covered preparedness for health emergencies, immunisation uptake, and data dashboards. The Board also received a verbal update on dementia support, highlighting initiatives like Dementia Friendly Cafés and the Herbert Protocol. These efforts are crucial for supporting vulnerable individuals and ensuring community resilience.

CPR and Chairman's Report

A verbal update on acute resuscitation (CPR) was also provided, with discussions on promoting CPR training and defibrillator accessibility. Councillor Mike Botting, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board, presented his annual report, summarising the Board's activities and achievements over the past year.

Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Other Matters

Countryside Consultative Panel Meets

The Countryside Consultative Panel met on Tuesday 14 April 2026. The meeting was attended by councillors including Councillor Simon Fawthrop, Councillor Kate Lymer, Councillor Alexa Michael, Councillor Chris Price, and Councillor Will Rowlands. The specific topics discussed were not detailed in the provided information.

Link to the Countryside Consultative Panel meeting