The Bexley Council Planning Committee met to discuss three town planning applications. A proposal for 12 flats on Old Manor Way was deferred for more information about road safety, while plans for a building containing two flats on Lea Vale were approved. Councillors also approved a retrospective application for air conditioning units at Blendon Methodist Church.

Old Manor Way Development Deferred

Councillors deferred a decision on application 22/02349/FULM for the erection of two buildings comprising 12 flats on the site of former tennis courts on Old Manor Way in Bexleyheath, citing concerns about highway safety and access. The application was for the erection of 2 buildings comprising of 12 self-contained flats with associated access, parking and landscaping.

The committee heard from Ms Lodge, a local resident, who objected to the application, raising concerns about highway safety, parking, the height of the proposed development, and the impact on local wildlife. Councillor Bishop, a ward councillor, also spoke against the development, highlighting that a previous application on the site had been withdrawn due to highway safety concerns. He questioned the validity of the traffic survey data and the enforceability of the proposed parking management plan.

Mr Usherwood, a tree consultant, spoke in favour of the application, stating that the site had been derelict for over 30 years and that the trees on the site were of low ecological value.

During the discussion, Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE raised questions about gardens, street lighting, the mix of housing, access and road safety, trees, and electric vehicle charging points. Councillor John Davey raised concerns about the loss of trees, potential root damage to trees on the adjacent Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), habitat loss, and tree maintenance. Councillor Howard Jackson argued that the site was a valued green space and that the development did not meet the criteria for an exception to policy DP15¹ of the Bexley Local Plan 2023.

Councillor Cameron Smith raised questions about the steepness of the entrance, visibility displays, and traffic calming measures. Councillor Frazer Brooks expressed concerns about the loss of trees, the lack of family homes, and the safety concerns.

Ultimately, the committee voted to defer the application to gain additional information, particularly around highway safety and access.

Blendon Methodist Church Air Conditioning Approved

The committee approved application 25/01119/FUL for the retrospective installation of eight air conditioning units at Blendon Methodist Church on Penhill Road in Bexley.

Mr Newman, a local resident, spoke against the application, citing concerns about noise, the location of the units, the appearance of the cabling, and the lack of consultation with residents.

Councillor Davey suggested a condition that the units could not be operated until acoustic enclosures had been installed. Councillor Smith questioned the reasonableness of restricting the hours of use of the air conditioning, particularly in light of increasing heatwaves. Councillor Jackson raised concerns about the impact of low-level hum from the units on residents' well-being.

Environmental health officers had reviewed the submitted noise assessment and raised no objections subject to conditions.

The committee approved the application with the conditions as drafted in the report.

Lea Vale Flats Approved

Councillors approved application 24/02110/FUL for the demolition of two existing garages and the erection of a two-storey building comprising two residential units on Lea Vale in Crayford.

Councillor Davey raised concerns about backland development and the piecemeal development of the site. Councillor Slaughter raised concerns about the lack of provision for garden waste and the steepness of the parking area.

Officers stated that the previous refusal was for a very different location and that the site was being utilised in this instance. They also stated that there would be space for bins within the garden and that the highways officers had reviewed the slope of the parking area and considered it acceptable.

The committee approved the application, subject to amendments to condition two relating to refuse storage and condition six relating to vehicle parking.