The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 of Bromley Council met on Thursday 26 June 2025 to discuss several planning applications. The committee refused applications for the installation of parcel lockers at Chelsfield Station Car Park and for the change of use of the Stockwell Building and North Block at the former Bromley Civic Centre to residential units. However, they approved applications for a garage conversion and extensions at 9 Hathaway Close, a large extension and outbuilding at 91 Grange Road, alterations to windows and fire escapes at Manorfields, Avalon Road, and confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting.

Chelsfield Station Car Park, The Highway, Orpington

The committee refused a retrospective planning application for the installation of an InPost parcel locker at Chelsfield Station Car Park. The application was refused on the grounds that it constituted inappropriate development in the Green Belt, causing substantial harm to its openness, with no very special circumstances demonstrated to outweigh this harm. This decision aligns with the National Planning Policy Framework, Policy G2 of the London Plan, and Policy 49 of the Bromley Local Plan. The committee also resolved to contact the relevant Portfolio Holder to take action for the removal of the locker.

Stockwell Building and North Block, Former Bromley Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley

Two applications for the change of use of the Stockwell Building and the North Block at the former Bromley Civic Centre to residential units were refused. The committee determined that these buildings were part of the former Civic Centre complex, which had a 'sui generis' use, and therefore did not fall within Class E (commercial, business and service) of the Use Classes Order. Consequently, the applications did not meet the requirements for permitted development under Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.

Further reasons for refusal included the buildings being considered within the curtilage of the Grade II listed Old Palace, which also prevents permitted development rights under Class MA. Additionally, the proposals failed to demonstrate adequate natural light for habitable rooms, and provided insufficient waste storage and excessive parking, contrary to London Plan and Bromley Local Plan policies. For the Stockwell Building specifically, an additional reason for refusal was that the proposed development did not fully meet minimum bedroom width requirements set out in the Nationally Described Space Standards.

The applicants, SLD Galliard Developments Ltd and BDL, represented by Miss Alice Higgitt of Savills, argued that the buildings were primarily office use and that similar council offices had been converted under permitted development rights. They also presented legal and heritage advice suggesting the buildings were not within the curtilage of the Old Palace. The developers highlighted the potential to deliver much-needed homes and stated their commitment to providing affordable housing across their wider masterplan for the site. However, objectors, including the Palace Estate Residents Association (PERA), raised concerns about overdevelopment, the quality of proposed units, lack of natural light, and the impact on heritage assets and local infrastructure.

9 Hathaway Close, Bromley

The committee approved an application for a garage conversion with a single-storey front extension and porch, along with the demolition of an existing conservatory and the construction of a single-storey side extension and elevational alterations at 9 Hathaway Close, Bromley. The application had been called in due to concerns about parking and the impact on neighbouring properties. However, Members concluded that there would still be sufficient on-street parking, acceptable separation distances to neighbours, and that similar applications had been approved for neighbouring properties. The decision was made subject to standard conditions regarding time limits, compliance with approved plans, and materials.

91 Grange Road, Orpington

Permission was granted for significant alterations at 91 Grange Road, Orpington, including the demolition of a garage and outbuildings, single-storey front, side, and rear extensions, a hip-to-gable roof extension with a rear dormer, and a single-storey detached outbuilding at the rear of the garden. Revised drawings were considered, and neighbours were renotified, with some maintaining their objections. The committee felt the proposal was reasonable and acceptable, with no significant reasons for refusal. Additional conditions were imposed regarding the materials for the dormer window, requiring them to be submitted for approval, and stipulating that the outbuilding should be used solely for purposes incidental to the residential use of the main house. Informatives were added regarding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and surface water drainage responsibilities.

Manorfields, Avalon Road, Orpington

The committee approved an application for alterations to existing windows and the creation of new openings for fire escapes at Manorfields, Avalon Road, Orpington. The application, which is for temporary Council accommodation, aims to improve fire safety to comply with Building Regulations. Concerns raised by a local resident regarding evacuation procedures were addressed by the agent, who confirmed that an up-to-date Emergency Evacuation Plan would be maintained and updated. The committee found no reason to refuse the application, which was approved subject to standard conditions.

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 6 March 2025 and noted that there were no declarations of interest. Apologies were received from several councillors, with substitutes attending in their place.