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Development Control Committee - Thursday 23 July 2026 7.30 pm
July 23, 2026 at 7:30 pm Development Control Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Development Control Committee of Bromley Council met on Thursday 23 July 2026. Decisions were made regarding the Poverest Adult Education Centre, Castlecombe Youth Centre, and the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
Poverest Adult Education Centre, Orpington
Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing Poverest Adult Education Centre and 18 Church Hill Wood, and the construction of 42 affordable residential units. The development will include vehicular access, pedestrian connections, car and cycle parking, landscaping, and amenity space. The decision was made despite objections regarding the loss of the adult education centre, development on designated Urban Open Space, and the impact on trees. The committee noted that the benefits of delivering much-needed affordable housing, including family-sized and wheelchair-accessible homes, outweighed the identified harms. The proposal contributes to the Borough's housing supply at a time of significant shortfall and addresses identified affordable housing needs.
Castlecombe Youth Centre, Mottingham
Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing youth centre building and the redevelopment of the site to provide 10 affordable houses in a two-storey terrace. The development includes associated access, parking, landscaping, refuse stores, and cycle stores. This decision was made despite objections concerning the loss of community facilities and development on Urban Open Space. The committee determined that the benefits of delivering affordable housing, including a wheelchair-accessible unit, outweighed the harm. The replacement of the youth centre facilities within an extended Castlecombe Children and Family Centre was considered an acceptable mitigation.
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, Anerley
Full planning permission and listed building consent were granted for the refurbishment and enhancement of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. This includes the demolition of the 25m Pool Building, Lodge Tower, and Lower Buildings, and the refurbishment of the main building, athletics stadium, and associated indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The proposal also includes new external sports facilities, improvements to public routes, access, parking, and landscaping. The decision was made despite some objections regarding the loss of motor racing heritage and concerns about the indoor climbing facility's operational viability. The committee concluded that the substantial public and heritage benefits, including the restoration of the Grade II* listed National Sports Centre and improvements to accessibility and sporting facilities, substantially outweighed the identified harms. The project aims to re-establish the site as a premier multi-sport destination and secure the long-term viability of this nationally important sporting and heritage asset.
HPR Planning KPIs
The committee noted the HPR Planning KPIs for Quarter 3 of the 2025/26 financial year. Councillor Alexa Michael, Chair of the Development Control Committee, commented that the proportion of appeals allowed at 34% was at the higher end of what she wanted to see.
Apologies for Absence and Substitute Members
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Josh King, and Councillor Ruth McGregor attended as his substitute.
Declarations of Interest
Councillor Ruth McGregor declared that she had previously sent a letter of support regarding Item 7: Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. She stated that she would consider all representations made at the meeting and determine the application with an open mind.
Questions by Members of the Public
There was one question for written reply.
Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 1 June 2026 were approved, subject to an amendment.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Recommendations ApprovedCouncillor Ruth McGregor, sitting on the Development Control Committee of Bromley Council, declared an open mind regarding Item 7: Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. This declaration was made on 23 July 2026.
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HPR PLANNING KPIs
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council noted recommendations on 23/07/2026.
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(26/00675/FPA) - CASTLECOMBE YOUTH CENTRE, CASTLECOMBE ROAD, MOTTINGHAM, LONDON, SE9 4AT
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council approved permission for the demolition of Castlecombe Youth Centre and redevelopment of the site to provide 10 affordable houses on 23 July 2026. The decision included approval for 10 affordable rented dwellings, a carbon offset payment of £6,362, and a play space contribution of £640.
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND NOTIFICATION OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council approved recommendations on 23/07/2026. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Josh King, with Councillor Ruth McGregor attending as his substitute.
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(25/05699/FPA) - POVEREST ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE, POVEREST ROAD, ORPINGTON, BR5 2DQ
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee granted permission for the demolition of the existing adult education centre and construction of 42 affordable residential units. This decision was made on 23 July 2026. The approved plans include vehicular access, pedestrian connections, car and cycle parking, landscaping, amenity space, and refuse stores.
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(26/00738/FPA and 26/00739/LBC) - CRYSTAL PALACE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE, LEDRINGTON ROAD, ANERLEY, LONDON, SE19 2GA
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council approved permission for the refurbishment and enhancement of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on 23 July 2026. The decision included the demolition of the 25m Pool Building, Lodge Tower, and Lower Buildings, alongside the refurbishment of the main building and athletics stadium. Specific officer actions included the reprovision of an indoor 25m swimming pool, a replacement energy centre, and improvements to indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
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QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ATTENDING THE MEETING
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council approved recommendations on 23/07/2026. There was one question for written reply from a local resident.
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CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 1 JUNE 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council decided to approve a planning application with an amendment on 23/07/2026. The committee resolved to grant permission subject to a condition requiring proof of FORS Silver membership or equivalent within one year of store opening.
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