The Council meeting on 13 October 2025 saw significant debate on the impact of the 'Raise the Colours' campaign and the potential closure of a local cancer ward. Councillors also discussed the future of the Spitfire Centre in Biggin Hill and the introduction of parking charges in Chelsfield, alongside approving committee appointments and noting various reports.

'Raise the Colours' Campaign and Council Services

A statement was requested from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Colin Smith, regarding the impact of the 'Raise the Colours' campaign on council services, contractors, and residents. Councillors Chloe-Jane Ross, Graeme Casey, Will Connolly, Julie Ireland, and Sam Webber put forward the request, seeking clarification on service delivery, contractor workload, resident feedback, and the council's policy on the campaign in public spaces. The campaign, which involves painting flags on roundabouts, bollards, and road signs, has led to questions about the cost of removal and the council's stance on such activities.

Potential Closure of Chartwell Haematology and Cancer Ward

Concerns were raised about the possible closure of the Chartwell haematology and cancer ward at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) and its potential relocation to Denmark Hill. Councillors Simon Jeal and Alisa Igoe requested a statement from the Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Health, Councillor Diane Smith, to address the potential impact on Bromley patients requiring emergency haematology care and the response to transport difficulties for immunocompromised patients and their families.

Future of the Spitfire Centre

The future of the Spitfire Youth Centre in Biggin Hill was a key topic, with a petition presented by Chris Hennis on behalf of the Spitfire Community Group. The petition protested the proposed closure and disposal of the site, advocating for its retention as a community hub. The Council's response indicated that while youth services would move to the Biggin Hill Children and Family Centre, the Spitfire building would be placed on the open market, with the community group able to bid for its purchase.

Parking Charges in Chelsfield

Residents and businesses in Windsor Drive, Chelsfield, voiced their objections to the introduction of parking charges and restrictions. Michelle Kaye spoke on behalf of the petitioners, highlighting concerns about the impact on staff, customers, and elderly residents, particularly regarding the cashless payment system. Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP, Executive Member for Transport, Highways and Road Safety, explained that the decision was made due to financial pressures and the need to ensure shopper turnover, noting that charges were comparable to the nearby station car park.

Committee Appointments

The Council approved the appointment of Councillor Alan Cook (Reform UK) to vacancies on the Pensions Committee and the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE). This followed a by-election in Bromley Common and Holwood ward.

Capital Programme and Financial Regulations

The Council approved changes to the Capital Programme, including additions for housing development on the Poverest Adult Education site (£23.7m, with £4.5m from GLA grant funding), a new Children's Home at Wharton Road (£1.76m), and an increase in the Leisure Centres capital allocation (£2.3m funded by borrowing). The Treasury Management Annual Report 2024/25 was noted, and the actual prudential indicators were approved. Updated Financial Regulations and Contract Procedure Rules were also approved for immediate implementation.

Local Planning Protocol and Scheme of Delegation

The updated Local Planning Protocol, including changes to site visit procedures and the removal of a prohibition on members who had called in an application from moving or seconding a motion on that application, was approved. The Scheme of Delegation to Officers was also noted and approved.

Health and Wellbeing and Local Pension Board Reports

The Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report for 2024/25 and the Local Pension Board's 2024/25 Annual Report were received and noted.

Motions Considered

Two motions were successfully carried:

• Agricultural Property Relief: The Council agreed to write to the Government and local MPs expressing concerns about the proposed scrapping of Agricultural Property Relief (APR), highlighting its importance for British family farms, food security, rural communities, and environmental stewardship, particularly in Bromley, which has a significant area of farmland.
• Supporting the Appointment of a Disability Equality Champion for London: The Council publicly supported the London Assembly's call for the Mayor of London to appoint a senior Disability Equality Champion with lived experience. The Council resolved to write to the Mayor urging him to act on this recommendation and to reaffirm Bromley's commitment to disability equality.

A motion regarding Supporting Our Community Against Cuts to Disability and Health Benefits was withdrawn.

Mayor's Announcements

The Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Andrews, confirmed upcoming civic and fundraising events, including a Volunteer Reception, a talk to mark VJ Day, the Mayoress's Afternoon Tea, and an Indian meal.

Questions from the Public and Members

A range of questions were addressed, including:

• Churchill Theatre/Library Complex: The Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing confirmed that the purchaser of the Churchill Theatre site had agreed terms with the theatre tenant for their long-term occupation. Proceeds from the sale would be held by the Council and reinvested according to the terms of the original bequest.
• Mitre Pub Rebuild: Guarantees were sought regarding the rebuild of the Mitre pub to include a community hub, sympathetic to its heritage. The Council stated that any application would need to consider development plan policies.
• Fix My Street Reports: The Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety explained that restrictions on comments and updates on Fix My Street reports were implemented because it is a reporting, not a debating, facility.
• Mitre Pub Demolition: Questions were raised about the Council's transparency and accountability in the demolition of the Mitre pub and communication with adjacent leaseholders. The Council stated it acted swiftly once a dangerous structure was identified and that demolition increased risks.
• Energy Consumption of the Civic Centre: Details were provided on the energy consumption and costs for the new Civic Centre, with ongoing audits and BMS setup planned for energy savings.
• Priory Avenue Resurfacing: The road was deemed to be in good condition and not in the programme for resurfacing.
• Enforcement Cases: Details of enforcement cases brought to Plans Sub-Committees in the past five years were provided, along with the criteria for such cases.
• HMO Licensing and Planning Permission: An update was given on the operational working group reviewing the relationship between planning and licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), including data cross-referencing and policy revisions.
• Commissioning Policy and Tender Weighting: It was clarified that a 70% financial and 30% quality weighting for a specific tender was not a change in commissioning policy, as evaluation criteria are considered individually for each requirement.
• Commissioned Service Providers: The role of Portfolio Holders in considering the performance of commissioned service providers, including contract awards and KPIs, was outlined.
• Planning Appeals: Statistics on planning decisions appealed and overturned in the last two years were provided.
• Moped Delivery Drivers: The Council's actions to improve safety and manage the impact of moped delivery drivers, including signage, designated parking areas, and police operations, were detailed.
• Kelsey Park Lake Desilting: Officers were exploring funding opportunities for improvement works to the pond in Church House Gardens, with potential applications to the Environment Agency.
• Mixed-Party Seating: The Leader of the Council stated that current seating arrangements in committees had worked well for decades and did not need changing.
• Relocation of Civic Centre Events: The Leader confirmed no other events were planned to be moved from the Civic Centre, and that the loss of event space was considered during relocation planning.
• Standards of Conduct for Commissioned Services: General clauses regarding courteous and professional conduct are typically included in contracts with commissioned service providers.
• Planning and Building Control Case Management System: The increase in cost for the system was attributed to unforeseen technical issues and data migration complexities.
• Green Belt Review: The Council reiterated its commitment to protecting Green Belt land and stated that the review would assess the strength of the Green Belt and consider the implications of new designations. Brownfield development would be prioritised.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: A motion was passed expressing full support for residents with Indefinite Leave to Remain and opposing any attempts to abolish it, citing concerns about local services, the economy, and community division.

The meeting also addressed petitions regarding the Spitfire Centre and parking charges at Windsor Drive, Chelsfield. The report on committee appointments was also considered.