The Bromley Council Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 met on 18 September 2025 to discuss several planning applications. The committee approved alterations to Crofton Roman Villa, but refused applications for a fuel tank at Crystal Palace Football Club Academy, a two-storey rear extension at 91 Greenview Avenue, and the conversion of a dwelling into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) at 134 Worsley Bridge Road.

Planning Applications

134 Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham BR3 1RP

The committee refused an application for the conversion of an existing residential dwelling and outbuildings into an 11-person HMO.

The application sought permission to convert a property on Worsley Bridge Road into an 11-bedroom HMO, including the addition of parking, cycle spaces, bin storage, and boundary fencing. Councillor Michael Tickner called in the application due to concerns that the intensification would negatively affect the area and the living conditions of neighbours, and that the extension was unsuitable for residential use.

The planning officer recommended granting planning permission, stating that the application had addressed previous objections and that the design, impact on the area, standard of accommodation, and impact on neighbouring amenities were all acceptable. The officer noted that while the London Plan does not specify parking standards for HMOs, a ratio of one space per three residents is generally considered acceptable.

However, nearby residents objected to the proposal, raising concerns about:

• Highways/Parking/Traffic: Residents noted existing parking problems on Worsley Bridge Road and Greycott Road, arguing that the proposal would exacerbate these issues and negatively affect traffic flow.
• Standard of Accommodation: Concerns were raised that the building was unsuitable for so many residents and that the outbuildings, in particular, would not provide a good standard of accommodation.
• Design and Character: Residents argued that the proposal was out of keeping with the area, amounted to overdevelopment, and contravened Policy 88 of the Bromley Local Plan, which addresses development in areas of special character.
• Neighbouring Amenity: Residents expressed concerns about noise, litter, and the overall intensification of the site, which they believed would harm neighbouring amenities.

91 Greenview Avenue, Beckenham, BR3 3RU

The committee refused planning permission for a two-storey rear extension and loft conversion at 91 Greenview Avenue.

The application proposed a two-storey rear extension and loft conversion with hip-to-gable roof alterations and a rear mansard dormer extension. Councillor Peter Dean called in the application, noting objections from local residents but also pointing out that the extension was located at the rear of the property and aligned with a neighbouring extension.

Planning officers recommended refusal, citing the scale, bulk, siting, and design of the proposed development. They argued that it would be an incongruous and disproportionate addition that would harm the appearance of the host dwelling and the surrounding area. Officers also raised concerns about the impact on neighbouring properties, citing potential loss of light, loss of outlook, and an increased sense of enclosure.

Residents who objected to the proposal raised concerns about the impact on the character of the neighbourhood, loss of sunlight and privacy, and the potential for the extension to negatively impact property values.

Officers concluded that the proposal would have a significant detrimental impact on the appearance of the host building and the character of the area, as well as a significant loss of amenity to neighbouring properties.

Crystal Palace Football Club Academy, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, BR3 1NZ

The committee refused an application for the installation of internal plant, erection of a flue, and installation of an external fuel tank at Crystal Palace Football Club Academy.

The application was for the installation of a fuel tank and associated infrastructure to provide under-pitch heating at the academy. Councillors raised concerns regarding noise, fumes, air quality, and the effect on the visual amenity of Metropolitan Open Land¹.

The planning officer recommended granting planning permission, stating that the submitted information demonstrated that the operation of the plant would not have a detrimental impact on noise or air quality, and that the proposal would not harm the visual amenities of the area.

However, local residents and the North Copers Cope Road Action Group objected to the proposal, raising concerns about:

• Principle/Scope of Application: Objectors argued that the granting of permission for under-pitch infrastructure did not include permission for under-pitch heating.
• Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) Impact: Concerns were raised about the impact of the development on the adjacent Metropolitan Open Land.
• Visual Impact: Objectors argued that the fuel tank was visible above existing fencing and trellis and would only be screened effectively during peak growing season.
• Pollution, Air Quality, Noise, and Impact on Neighbouring Amenity: Concerns were raised about exhaust fumes, odour, noise, and the type of fuel used.

Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Road, Orpington, BR6 8AF

The committee approved an application for alterations to Crofton Roman Villa, including roof and elevational alterations, installation of air conditioning units, and landscaping alterations.

The application sought permission for alterations to the existing roof, elevational alterations, installation of air conditioning units, alterations to landscaping, and internal works. The planning officer recommended granting planning permission, stating that the proposal would positively contribute to the appearance of the host building, improve thermal and energy efficiency, and enhance visitor facilities.

Historic England also supported the application, stating that the proposed works would address practical issues with the current visitor experience, better protect the archaeological remains, and improve access.

The Orpington and District Archaeological Society also supported the application.