The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 of Bromley Council met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to discuss several planning applications and the confirmation of Tree Preservation Orders. The meeting's agenda included proposals for a children's home, a house in multiple occupation, and the protection of trees in two separate locations.

Planning Applications

Leafy Grove House, 82 Heathfield Road, Keston BR2 6BF

A proposal was scheduled for discussion regarding a change of use for Leafy Grove House from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a residential children's home (Use Class C2) for up to four children aged between 8 and 17 years old. The application, which had been called in by Councillor Alexa Michael, cited concerns over potential harm to heritage assets, intensification of use, and impact on neighbouring amenities. The report pack indicated that the property had been vacant for over two years and is a Grade II Statutory Listed Building within the Keston Village Conservation Area. The proposal included no external alterations to the building, with internal works intended to be minimal and reversible. The report pack noted that the Head of Services for Children and Young People confirmed a continued need for children's care homes in the Borough, and that any development would be subject to Ofsted registration.

69 Chelsfield Lane, Orpington, BR5 4HG

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a first-floor side extension and a change of use from a single dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a four-person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) at 69 Chelsfield Lane. This application included excavation of the front garden to provide two off-street parking spaces, along with enclosed refuse and cycle storage. The application had been called in by Councillor Shaun Slator due to concerns about intensification. Previous applications for a six-bedroom HMO at this site had been refused. The current proposal aimed to address previous refusal grounds by reducing the number of occupants to four and including a HMO management plan. The report pack noted that the surrounding area is predominantly characterised by two-storey residential dwellings occupied by single-family units.

Castlecombe Children and Family Centre, Castlecombe Road, Mottingham, London, SE9 4AT

An additional planning application was listed for discussion concerning Castlecombe Children and Family Centre.

Tree Preservation Orders

Confirmation of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 3046 - Land between 3 & 5 Hanbury Drive, Biggin Hill

The committee was scheduled to consider objections received against the making of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 3046, which covers trees located on a green between numbers 3 and 5 Hanbury Drive. The report indicated that the trees make an important contribution to the amenity of the surrounding local area. An objection was received from the landowner, who argued that the TPO was contrary to regulations, covered trees of limited significance, and that the Council had not provided sufficient evidence of an evaluation. The report stated that the TPO was made in accordance with The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and that a visual assessment using the TEMPO (Tree Evaluation Method for Preservation Orders) scoring system justified the order. A planning application for the erection of nine dwellings on the site was also noted as being considered.

Confirmation of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 3051 - Land North West Opposite The Southern Junction of Snag Lane with Cudham Lane North

The committee was also scheduled to consider objections to Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 3051, located on the west side of Cudham Lane North. The report stated that the trees made an important contribution to the amenity of the surrounding local area. The objection received argued that the land was an agricultural field with sparse, self-seeded trees, not a woodland, and that the TPO would negatively impact the character of the countryside lane. The objector also suggested that the TPO should be withdrawn and a new survey conducted. The report indicated that the TPO was made in accordance with The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and that a woodland order was required to secure remedial replanting following unauthorised felling. A previous planning application for a private residential gypsy traveller site at this location had been refused on tree grounds.