The Bexley Council Planning Committee met on Thursday 16 April 2026, approving a revised plan for community use of a multi-use games area (MUGA) at Benedict House Preparatory School and refusing permission for two new dwellings at 9 Warren Road, Sidcup. The committee also approved extensions and conversions at 13-14 Christopher Close and 2 Montgomery Close, and a single-storey extension at 20 Sandhurst Road.

Benedict House Preparatory School, 1-5 Victoria Road, Sidcup

The committee approved a revised plan for the community use of the MUGA at Benedict House Preparatory School. The original permission restricted its use to school staff and pupils. This Section 73 application sought to vary Condition 14 to allow limited community use outside of school hours. The approved plan includes new conditions to manage the timing, duration, and group size of community use, limiting it to six hours per day and a maximum of 25 people at any one time, with a review after 12 months. This decision was made after considerable debate regarding noise, parking, and the impact on residential amenity, with a majority voting in favour of the revised proposal.

9 Warren Road, Sidcup

The committee refused application 25/01572/FUL for the erection of two single-storey semi-detached dwellings in the rear garden of 9 Warren Road. Officers had recommended granting permission, but members did not approve that recommendation. They discussed refusal reasons including the effect of back-garden development on neighbouring residential amenity and the character and design impact of the proposal, with references to policies including DP2, SP5 and DP11.

13-14 Christopher Close, Sidcup

The committee approved plans for extensions and the conversion of the roof space at 13-14 Christopher Close to create two additional self-contained flats. The proposal involves a part one/part two-storey side extension, a single-storey rear extension, and alterations to the roofline, including a side dormer. Objections were raised regarding existing parking stress, construction nuisance, loss of light and privacy, and the potential for the development to be out of character. However, officers concluded that the design was sympathetic to the area, the quality of accommodation was acceptable, and highway and refuse management could be secured by condition.

20 Sandhurst Road, Sidcup

Permission was granted for a single-storey side and rear extension at 20 Sandhurst Road. This application was brought before the committee due to a number of objections received, despite a similar extension having been previously approved. The committee noted that the current proposal was a slight improvement on the previous one as it did not include roof space alterations. The extension was considered to preserve the character and appearance of the Christ Church Conservation Area and not adversely affect neighbouring amenity.

2 Montgomery Close, Sidcup

The committee approved plans for single-storey front and side extensions, alterations to the roofline, a rear dormer extension, and rooflights at 2 Montgomery Close. The proposal also included the demolition of an existing conservatory, garage, and shed. Objections were raised concerning overdevelopment, impact on neighbours, loss of light and privacy, and harm to the character of the area. However, officers highlighted that a Lawful Development Certificate had already been granted for a dormer of similar scale, and the revised design with hipped roof forms was considered proportionate and consistent with the local context. The decision was made despite concerns about the impact on the privately maintained Fernbrook Avenue.