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Development Control Committee - Thursday, 17 September 2026 - 7.30 pm
September 17, 2026 at 7:30 pm Development Control Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Development Control Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026, approving a planning application for industrial units in Penge and condemning government reforms to the planning system. The committee also deferred a decision on a reserved matters application for housing at Crystal Palace Park.
Planning Committee Reforms
The committee passed a motion condemning the Labour Government for introducing anti-democratic changes to the planning system.
This motion was in response to new legislation that restricts the types of applications that can be determined by a planning committee and limits committee size. The report accompanying this item outlined proposed changes to the Council's Constitution to comply with these new regulations, including a reduction in the size of the Development Control Committee and a move towards a single planning committee from May 2027. These reforms, which come into effect from 31 October 2026, aim to speed up decision-making by delegating more minor and technical decisions to planning officers.
Muirhead Vactric, Oakfield Road, Penge
Permission was granted for the erection of employment buildings (Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2 and B8) at Muirhead Vactric, Oakfield Road, Penge, SE20 8EW. The development includes the provision of car and cycle parking, landscaping, and associated infrastructure, such as a new substation and an acoustic fence. The proposal was considered to strongly support the principle of redeveloping the site within the designated Lower Sydenham Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS). The development is expected to deliver significant employment floorspace and create jobs during both the construction and operational phases. The design was deemed acceptable, with the scale and height of the units considered appropriate for the surrounding area. Sustainability measures include targeting BREEAM Excellent and a 100% reduction in carbon emissions against Building Regulations. While there were concerns regarding the loss of five Category B trees, compensation is to be secured through a Section 106 agreement, and the proposed landscaping aims to achieve a policy-compliant urban greening score and enhance biodiversity.
Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Road, Penge
A reserved matters application for residential development at Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Road, Penge, SE20 8DT, was deferred. The application sought details of access, appearance, landscape, scale, and layout for residential sites within the Crystal Palace Park regeneration development. The decision to defer was made to allow for further consideration of the application's details.
HPR Planning KPIs
The committee noted the High-Performance Planning Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Quarter 4 of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated that the caseload for tree applications was lower in late spring, with a peak entering summer, and noted drought conditions.
Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2026 were approved.
Questions by Members of the Public
There were three questions for oral reply and one question for written reply from members of the public attending the meeting.
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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QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ATTENDING THE MEETING
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bromley Development Control Committee approved recommendations on 17 September 2026. The committee noted three questions for oral reply and one for written reply from local residents. The council will publish environmental assessments and reports alongside its Regulation 19 Local Plan in due course.
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PLANNING COMMITTEE REFORMS
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council resolved to approve recommendations on 17 September 2026. The committee condemned government changes to the planning system.
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(25/04937/RES) - Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Road, Penge, London, SE20 8DT
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee deferred a decision on reserved matters for Crystal Palace Park on 17 September 2026. The committee decided to defer the application for the residential development at Rockhills and Sydenham Villas.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Recommendations ApprovedBromley Council's Development Control Committee approved recommendations on 17 September 2026. No additional declarations of interest were made.
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(26/01690/FPA) - Muirhead Vactric, Oakfield Road, Penge, London, SE20 8EW
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee decided to grant permission for employment buildings at Muirhead Vactric, Oakfield Road, Penge, London, SE20 8EW on 17 September 2026. The decision approved the recommendation for permission subject to a legal agreement. The decision included the erection of employment buildings, provision of car and cycle parking, landscaping, a new substation, and an acoustic fence.
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND NOTIFICATION OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council approved recommendations on 17/09/2026. There were no apologies for absence.
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CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 23 JULY 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bromley Development Control Committee approved the minutes of the meeting held on 1 June 2026. The committee also granted permission for the demolition of the Poverest Adult Education Centre and the construction of 42 affordable residential units, subject to planning conditions including the planting of mature trees where practicable and a Director's Assurance Agreement. Permission was also granted for the demolition of the Castlecombe Youth Centre and redevelopment to provide 10 affordable houses, subject to planning conditions and a Director's Assurance Agreement. Finally, permission was granted for the refurbishment and enhancement of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, subject to a S106 Legal Agreement and planning conditions, and listed building consent was granted subject to planning conditions.
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HPR PLANNING KPIS
Recommendations ApprovedThe Development Control Committee of Bromley Council noted the HPR Planning KPIs on 17 September 2026. The committee received information on the volumes of major applications and tree applications.
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