The Bromley Council Development Control Committee met on 12 June 2025, and approved the demolition of buildings at 24 - 34 Farwig Lane and the construction of three new buildings for industrial use, despite concerns about the impact on nearby residential properties and heritage assets. The committee also reviewed the council's planning key performance indicators (KPIs).

24-34 Farwig Lane Planning Application

The committee approved planning application 24/04814/FULL1 for the demolition of all buildings and structures at 24-34 Farwig Lane, Bromley, BR1 3RB and the construction of three buildings for speculative and flexible B2 general industrial¹, B8 storage and distribution², and E(g)(iii) light industrial uses³ with ancillary offices, associated service yards, access points, car parking and landscape planting.

The application site is within the Farwig Lane Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS).

The proposal was called in by a councillor due to the major nature of the application.

Key aspects of the approved development include:

• Land Use: The development will provide 7,590 square metres of flexible industrial space, including general industrial, storage and distribution, and light industrial uses with ancillary offices.
• Parking: The plans include 38 standard car spaces (including 10 disabled and 11 car-sharing spaces) and 22 long-stay and 14 short-stay cycle spaces.
• Sustainability: The development aims for a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of over 55% through additional tree planting, native species hedgerows, and green roofs. It also includes 22 active and 10 passive electric vehicle charging points.

Despite the planning officer recommending approval, the application received 50 objections to the original and revised plans from local residents and community groups, including the College Road Neighbourhood Community Group.

Concerns raised included:

• Noise and Environmental Impact: Residents expressed concerns about increased HGV traffic, noise pollution, and continuous low-frequency noise from equipment.
• Design and Loss of Privacy: The design was described as overbearing and out of keeping with the residential character of the surrounding streetscape. Residents also raised concerns about excessive lighting and loss of privacy.
• Traffic and Pedestrian Safety: Objectors highlighted the potential for increased HGV movements to create safety concerns, particularly near schools and nurseries.
• Impact on Heritage Assets: The Council's Heritage Officer raised concerns about the impact of the development on the setting of nearby locally listed buildings.

In response to concerns, the developers revised the plans to include a more generous set-back along College Road, varied rooflines, and revised articulation of key elevations.

The committee considered the benefits of the proposal, including the provision of employment space in the town centre, outweighed the harms identified.

The approval is subject to a Section 106 agreement⁴ to secure £7,590 for monitoring air quality, as well as various conditions relating to:

• Time limits
• Compliance with approved drawings
• Tree protection
• Construction management
• Landscaping
• External materials
• Refuse storage
• Security
• Biodiversity enhancements
• Contamination remediation
• Archaeology
• Parking
• Lighting
• Air quality
• Cycle parking
• Delivery and servicing
• Acoustic fencing
• Drainage

Planning Key Performance Indicators

The committee considered the performance of the Planning Service against various Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The report noted an upward trend in the number of planning submissions following changes in national legislation, particularly for major applications.