The Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 of Bromley Council met on Thursday 13 June 2024, approving eight planning applications and refusing one. Key decisions included the approval of extensions and alterations to the Crystal Palace Football Club Academy, the redevelopment of a site on Kangley Bridge Road for industrial use, and the refurbishment of the Borough Council Depot in Beckenham. However, an application for an extension to Holwood House in Keston was refused due to concerns about its impact on the Green Belt.

Crystal Palace Football Club Academy, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, BR3 1NZ

Permission was granted for excavation and construction of a basement to provide indoor sports therapy pools and a plant room, along with extensions and elevational alterations to the former Gambado Sports Hall. This development is related to the approved use of the site as a football academy. The decision was made subject to conditions, including a new condition that There shall be no reversing of coaches onto Copers Cope Road. An informative was also added advising the applicant that coaches should use the on-site lay-by to pull in off Copers Cope Road.

40 Croydon Road, West Wickham, BR4 9HR

The application for the demolition of an existing single-storey structure, reconfiguration of car parking, installation of EV charging bays and traffic control barriers, removal of an entrance canopy, construction of a new entrance lobby, installation of security fencing, enclosure of under-croft and rear compound areas, and new fenestration was permitted. Councillor Alexa Michael, a Ward Member, spoke in support, highlighting the improvements to traffic safety and the reduction of speeding. The committee agreed that the building needed updating and the increased parking and improved safety measures were supported. An informative was added advising the applicant to consider enhancing greening measures on the site, such as additional trees and planting.

Crystal Palace Football Club Academy, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, BR3 1NZ

Permission was granted for the installation of four 21.3m floodlighting columns to serve the central pitch (Pitch 01). Councillor Tickner, a visiting Ward Member, objected, raising concerns about the impact on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) and potential light spillage. Councillor Connolly also expressed concerns about light pollution and its effect on local wildlife. Despite objections, the committee felt the modern floodlights could be directed to minimise impact on residents and that the proposal was a natural progression for the Academy's facilities. Conditions were imposed, including limiting floodlighting hours and ensuring use only by the Crystal Palace Football Club Academy.

Holwood House, Westerham Road, BR2 6HB

The application for the extension of the existing garage at ground level, with a basement level garage and games/leisure room, was refused. The primary reason for refusal was that the proposed extension would result in a disproportionate addition, constituting inappropriate development in the Green Belt, and would not preserve its openness, contrary to local and national planning policies. Councillor Jeffreys had called in the application for consideration if officers were minded to refuse it.

Borough Council Depot, Churchfields Road, Beckenham, BR3 4QY

Permission was granted for the erection of fire suppression tanks and a pump house, associated drainage works, repair and replacement of the slab and push walls, weighbridge works, and fencing. Planning Officers confirmed this application was before the committee as it was Bromley-owned land and outside delegated powers. The application was considered straightforward with no objections.

London Borough of Bromley, Waldo Road, Bromley, BR1 2QX

Permission was granted for the erection of a fire suppression tank and pump house, associated drainage works, replacement/repair of slab, push walls, weighbridge, and fencing. Similar to the previous application, this was presented to the committee as it related to Council-owned land. The proposal was considered to enhance the efficiency and fire safety of the site, with no objections raised by statutory consultees.

57 Kangley Bridge Road, Lower Sydenham, London SE26 5BA

Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing building and redevelopment for industrial processes (Use Class E(g)(iii)), industrial (Use Class B2), and/or storage and distribution (Use Class B8) purposes, with ancillary offices and associated parking, servicing, and access arrangements. A planning officer noted that if approved, conditions relating to operating and servicing/delivery hours would be removed due to the site's requirement for 24-hour access. The proposal was described as a high-quality and sustainable employment space, aiming for zero-carbon status and a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Sports Pavilion, Creswell Drive, Beckenham

Permission was granted for the erection of an extension to the existing pavilion to provide a WC and refreshment serving hatch, and an amendment to the existing footpath link to Creswell Drive. This was a part retrospective application. Councillor Harris spoke in support of the footpath provision, noting it was part of an earlier approved development that had not yet been provided. The committee agreed that the extension was a modest addition for a disabled toilet and that the footpath changes would improve safety. Conditions were imposed to ensure the pavilion's use remained linked to sports activities and not a standalone café.

97 Ravensbourne Avenue, Bromley, BR2 0A

Permission was granted retrospectively for the enclosing of a porch and retention of the front door. Councillor Turrell, a Ward Member, noted that while the properties were paired, there was a variety of styles and ages of properties in the street. The committee considered the change to be acceptable and not harmful to the character of the Shortlands Village Conservation Area or the host dwelling. Fifteen comments of support were received from neighbours, while two objections were lodged.