The London Borough of Bexley Planning Committee met on 31 July 2025, considering several planning applications. The committee approved plans for a residential development at Bursted Woods despite concerns about parking and affordable housing, and also approved applications for roof tile replacements and a two-storey rear extension. However, the committee refused an application for a new dwelling on Blackhorse Road due to concerns about its design and potential parking issues.

Land at Bursted Woods, Erith Road

The committee approved an application for the redevelopment of land at Bursted Woods to build 121 new dwellings, including the refurbishment of the former Bexley Maternity Hospital¹. The decision was made after a tied vote, with Councillor Christopher Readers, the committee chairman, using his casting vote to approve the application.

The proposal includes a mix of flats and houses, with 18 shared ownership units. The committee heard from Ms Marriott, a local resident, who spoke against the proposal, citing overdevelopment, inadequate social housing provision, and parking concerns. Councillor Sandhu, one of the ward councillors for Bexley Heath Ward, also raised concerns about parking and the impact on local services. Jackie Batrouni, a Principal Planner at Nexus Planning, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the benefits of the scheme, including the delivery of much-needed new homes and the restoration of the former maternity hospital building.

Several councillors raised concerns about the level of affordable housing, parking provision, and the impact on local infrastructure. Councillor Ferguson said that the application fails to meet affordable housing targets , and Councillor Taylor questioned the financial viability assessment. Councillor Jackson supported the proposal, arguing that the developer had deliberately chosen to forgo profit in order to provide some affordable housing on the site even though it is not viable.

The committee discussed various aspects of the application, including the character and appearance of the development, resident amenity, transport and parking, infrastructure, and ecology. Mr Williams, a planning officer, addressed the committee's questions, providing clarification on issues such as permitted development rights, street lighting, and parking surveys.

Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, with Councillor Readers casting the deciding vote.

Garages Adjacent To 11 Black Horse Road, Sidcup

The committee refused an application for the erection of a two-storey end-of-terrace dwelling on Black Horse Road in Sidcup, citing concerns about the design and potential parking problems.

Ms Ellis, speaking on behalf of local residents, raised concerns about the narrowness of the road, existing parking issues, and the impact of construction traffic. Mr Norman, a local resident, expressed fears about potential damage to his property and the impact on property values. Mr Kelly, the planning agent for the applicant, argued that the development would make good use of an underutilised site and provide much-needed family-sized accommodation.

Councillor Slaughter, a ward councillor, spoke against the application, arguing that the proposed building was not in keeping with the character of the area and would exacerbate parking problems. Councillor Davey agreed, stating that the flat roof design was totally out of character . Councillor Smith also voiced concerns about the lack of parking provision.

The committee ultimately voted to refuse the application, citing the design's incompatibility with the local character and the potential for increased parking pressure.

19A Melanie Close, Bexleyheath

The committee approved an application for a two-storey rear extension at 19A Melanie Close in Bexleyheath.

Mr Russell, a resident of Anchor Court, raised concerns about the potential impact of construction works on elderly residents, particularly in relation to dust and noise. Mr Adefeso, representing the applicant, reassured the committee that measures would be taken to minimise disruption.

Councillor Davey expressed concerns about overdevelopment and the impact on neighbouring properties. Councillor Sandhu suggested a condition requiring scaffolding to be covered to minimise dust.

Despite these concerns, the committee voted to approve the application.

9 The Green, Sidcup

The committee approved an application for the replacement of roof tiles and battens at 9 The Green in Sidcup. Mr Williams, a planning officer, stated that there had been no objections to the application and that it was considered acceptable. Councillor Slaughter, a ward councillor, supported the application.

Land Adjacent to 309 Halfway Street, Sidcup

The committee approved an application for the erection of an attached two-storey dwelling on land adjacent to 309 Halfway Street in Sidcup. Councillor Slaughter supported the application, while Councillor Davy questioned whether the materials would match the existing ones.

99 Bexley High Street, Bexley

The committee approved an application for the conversion of roof space at 99 Bexley High Street. Councillor Sandhu, who had declared an interest in this item, handed over the chair to Councillor Readers for this item.