The Bexley Council Planning Committee met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to discuss several planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for the retention of bi-fold doors and a pizza hut building at The One Bell Public House, and for the installation of bin storage units at Tramway House. They also granted outline planning permission for a new coach house flat on land adjacent to 8 Nuxley Road. However, the committee refused permission for the installation of bin storage units at Tramway House due to concerns about their proximity to residential properties and their impact on the street scene.

The One Bell Public House, Crayford

The committee granted planning permission for the retrospective application to retain bi-fold doors at the ground floor rear elevation of The One Bell Public House, a Grade II listed building, and for a pizza hut building in the rear garden. The decision was made despite objections from local residents and heritage groups who raised concerns about the unsympathetic nature of the bi-fold doors to the historic building and potential noise pollution from the pizza hut. Officers noted that the bi-fold doors were installed on a later extension and did not harm the historic fabric of the original building. The pizza hut was considered to be of modest scale and located in a position that would not significantly impact the setting of the listed building. Environmental Health raised no objections to the electric pizza oven. A condition was imposed requiring the planting of two new trees on the site to maintain the green character of the Iron Mill Lane Conservation Area.

Listed Building Consent was also granted for the retention of the bi-fold doors. The committee was satisfied that the doors, installed on a later extension, did not cause harm to the historic fabric of the Grade II listed building.

Tramway House, Erith

Planning permission was granted for the installation of six bin storage units within the communal car park at Tramway House. The proposal, which would result in the loss of two parking spaces, was considered acceptable by officers and the Highway Authority. Concerns raised by residents regarding rat infestation and health risks were addressed by the applicant's confirmation that the new enclosed units would be more secure and resilient to vermin. The design of the units was considered functional and not overly dominant in the street scene.

However, the committee ultimately refused permission for the bin storage units. While acknowledging the need for adequate refuse facilities, members expressed significant concerns about the proposed location's proximity to residential properties, potential odour issues, and the impact on the street scene. Councillor Smith and Councillor Taylor proposed refusal, citing concerns about amenity, unsightliness, and the impact on neighbouring occupants, particularly regarding potential odour issues in hot weather.

27 Hillcross Court, Sidcup

The committee granted retrospective planning permission for the retention of an extended terrace at the fourth-floor level of 27 Hillcross Court. The application was for the retention of balustrades extending across a greater portion of the roof. Objections from neighbours included concerns about health and safety risks from objects blowing off the terrace, overlooking, structural soundness, and the covering of a soil stack vent. Officers concluded that the extended terrace did not cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area or the setting of nearby conservation areas. Regarding neighbouring amenity, the committee noted that while the extended terrace allowed for closer views towards Kingswood Court, the existing context of the building and its proximity to Sidcup Town Centre meant that these reduced separation distances were considered acceptable and would not result in undue harm to privacy. Concerns about structural soundness and building regulations were deemed to be matters for building control, not planning.

Land Adjacent To And Rear Of 8 Nuxley Road, Belvedere

Outline planning permission was granted for the erection of a two-storey coach house flat on land adjacent to and rear of 8 Nuxley Road. All matters, including access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale, were reserved for future consideration. The site is located within the Upper Belvedere Local Centre and a Sustainable Development Location, where residential development is supported. Objections from local residents raised concerns about highway impact, refuse storage, access for emergency vehicles, impact on local businesses, design, and loss of light. Officers considered the principle of development acceptable, noting that the indicative plans suggested the dwelling could be accommodated without detrimental impact on the character of the area, neighbouring amenity, or highways. The Highway Authority raised no objections, subject to conditions to be addressed at the reserved matters stage. Councillor Davey expressed strong opposition, describing outline applications as terrible due to the lack of clarity on the final appearance and potential for traffic issues. Councillor Frost also noted concerns about parking and Nuxley Road's existing traffic problems. The committee ultimately voted to grant outline permission, acknowledging that detailed considerations would be addressed at the reserved matters stage.