The Bexley Council Planning Committee met on Thursday 23 July 2026, approving six out of the nine planning applications discussed. Key decisions included the approval of a new martial arts studio with extended hours at 168 Blackfen Road, Sidcup, and the deferral of a proposal for six residential dwellings at 24 Broomfield Road, Bexleyheath, to allow for further consideration of scale and impact.

Applications Approved

9 Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 4EZ

The committee approved the change of use of this building from an educational facility to a mixed-use community and learning centre, incorporating educational rooms, local community use (including a church), and an ancillary cafe. This decision was made despite concerns raised by a local resident and Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE regarding parking and the accuracy of the site's historical use. The committee heard that the building had been largely vacant since 2017, and the proposal was seen as a positive step in bringing it back into use.

Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ

Planning permission was granted for the installation of a substation and ancillary cabinets to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure within the Hall Place car park. This decision was made despite objections concerning the loss of parking spaces and the impact on the historic setting of Hall Place. Officers noted that the EV charging points themselves were lawful development and that the proposed structures were modest in scale and would be located within an existing car park, thus preserving the openness of the Metropolitan Green Belt and the setting of heritage assets.

86 - 88 Sidcup High Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6DS

Permission was granted for a temporary 12-month period to extend the opening hours of the McDonald's restaurant. The extension allows for dine-in and takeaway customers until midnight and outgoing deliveries until 3 am. Councillor Oscar Harrison had expressed concerns about potential increases in anti-social behaviour, noise, and traffic, particularly during the later hours, and questioned the representativeness of the applicant's traffic surveys. Environmental Health officers had no objection to the revised hours, but a condition was added to strengthen noise mitigation measures and require a Delivery Management Plan.

Car Park Adjacent Morrisons, 1 Jenner Close, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6BF

The committee approved the erection of a single-storey plant room and substation enclosure, along with electric vehicle charging zones and jet washes. This approval followed a previous permission for a similar scheme, with the current application seeking an alternative layout. Objections were raised by local residents regarding the location's inappropriateness for a commercial forecourt, noise and lighting impacts, and concerns about the legality of a previous planning application. Officers confirmed that statutory notification requirements had been met and that the proposed development would not harm the character of the area or neighbouring amenity.

34 Rutland Avenue, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9DZ

Permission was granted for the erection of one single-storey dwelling and three two-storey attached dwellings, following the demolition of the existing bungalow. Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE expressed a personal dislike for the single-storey element, deeming it an afterthought, but acknowledged its compliance. Concerns were also raised about bin storage and garden sizes. Officers confirmed that the proposal met all relevant London Plan minimum standards for quality of residential accommodation and private outdoor space.

168 Blackfen Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 8PT

Permission was granted for the variation of opening hours for a martial arts studio. The new hours allow for earlier opening on weekdays (7:30 am) and weekends (8 am), with closing times remaining at 9 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends. This decision was made despite some neighbour concerns about noise and the venue being advertised for uses beyond martial arts. Planning Enforcement officers confirmed that the use is restricted to a martial arts studio and that amplified music is prohibited. Strengthened conditions were added to ensure compliance.

Applications Deferred

24 Broomfield Road, Land Rear Of 26-28 Broomfield Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7PA

The committee voted to defer the decision on the erection of six residential dwellings. This deferral was prompted by concerns raised by objectors and councillors regarding the scale and massing of the development, the potential impact on neighbouring amenity, and the loss of a Category B tree (T10). Councillor Thomas Clapperton and Councillor Abi Johnson proposed the deferral to allow for further consideration of amendments that could potentially retain the tree and reduce the scale and bulk of the development.

Applications Deferred

Crook Log Sports Centre, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 4HH

The committee voted to defer the decision on the creation of a 'Golf Pod' practice facility. This deferral was requested to allow for a site visit and for members to gain a better understanding of the potential noise impacts, particularly the acute noise from golf ball strikes. Concerns were raised by residents, including Lauren Wilkin-Jones and Councillor Andrew Curtois, about noise, light pollution, and the impact on residential amenity. While officers presented acoustic and lighting assessments indicating compliance, members felt a site visit was necessary to fully assess the impact. A condition was added requiring a noise management plan.

The meeting was held on Thursday 23 July 2026.