The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 of Bromley Council met on Thursday 09 January 2025, where they considered and made decisions on nine planning applications. Of these, four applications were approved, and five were refused.

Planning Applications

Approved Applications:

• 1 Glentrammon Close, Orpington, BR6 6DL: Permission was granted for the erection of a single-storey side extension, alterations to the front porch and driveway, and a hip-to-gable loft conversion. This application had been called in by Councillor Mike Botting due to concerns about the impact on a neighbour's light. The committee noted written representations from the applicant's agent and, after considering the report, objections, and representations, resolved to grant permission as recommended, subject to conditions outlined in the Chief Planner's report.

• 18 Sylvan Way, West Wickham, BR4 9HB: Permission was granted for an amendment to a previous planning permission, involving a single-storey side/rear wraparound extension with raised rooflights, alterations to windows, and a raised patio. This application was part retrospective and had been called in by Councillor Alexa Michael due to concerns about the extension's height and its visibility from the road or path. Following oral representations and consideration of the report, objections, and representations, permission was granted as recommended, with an informative stating that existing rooflights are expected to be removed and replaced within three months.

• Marjorie McClure School, Hawkwood Lane, Chislehurst, BR7 5PS: Permission was granted for the demolition of outbuildings and sheds, extension of the playground area, installation of a freestanding external canopy, and replacement of an existing access ramp. The application was recommended for permission, and no objections were received from statutory consultees, local groups, or adjoining occupiers. The committee resolved to grant permission as recommended, subject to conditions outlined in the Chief Planner's report.

• 21 Lynwood Grove, Orpington, BR6 0BD: Permission was refused for the demolition of a chimney and the construction of part single and double-storey front/side/rear extensions, with a rear Juliet balcony, two side roof lights, and elevational alterations. The application had been called in by Councillor Tony Owen to allow a neighbour to address the committee, as the applicant had acknowledged their initial application was too large. Written objections were tabled and considered. Councillor Simon Fawthrop drew the committee's attention to the objector's points. Ultimately, the committee resolved to refuse the application for the following reason: In the absence of sufficient information to demonstrate to the contrary, the proposed extension would result in an unacceptable degree of overshadowing and loss of sunlight at No. 23 Lynwood Grove contrary to Policy 37 of the Bromley Local Plan and Paragraph 198 of the NPPF.

Refused Applications:

• 5 Adcock Walk, Orpington, BR6 9SY: The application for a change of use from a C3 residential dwelling to a C2 residential care home for up to three children aged 7-17 was refused. The Planning Officer provided an update, noting an incorrect map in the report but confirming the application was recommended for permission. Councillor Angela Page had called in the application due to concerns about an inappropriate change of use and attended the meeting. The committee resolved to refuse the application for the following reasons:

  1. The development would result in unreasonable harm to the amenities of neighbouring occupiers through increased noise and disturbance, contrary to Policy 37 of the Bromley Local Plan.
  2. Insufficient evidence had been provided to demonstrate an identified need for the development, contrary to Policy 11 of the Bromley Local Plan and H12 of the London Plan.
  3. The proposal fails to provide appropriate parking to accommodate the number of staff, particularly given the site's low PTAL rating, contrary to Policies 11 and 30 of the Bromley Local Plan.

• 25 Holmcroft Way, Bromley, BR2 8AD: Permission was refused for a part one/two-storey rear extension with elevational alterations. The application had been called in by Councillor Dr Sunil Gupta due to concerns about the scale, form, and character being overdominant, as well as the overbearing impact and potential precedent. Councillor Dr Gupta had provided written representations. After considering the report, objections, and representations, the committee resolved to refuse the application for the following reason: The cumulative impact of the extension, due to its excessive height and depth, fails to respect the amenity of neighbouring occupiers by causing unacceptable overshadowing and would be out of character with other dwellings in the area, contrary to Policies 6 and 37 of the Bromley Local Plan and paragraph 198 of the NPPF.

• 132 Barnfield Wood Road, Beckenham, BR3 6SX: The application for the demolition of the existing dwelling and the construction of a new replacement dwelling was refused. The application had been called in by Councillor Adam Grant due to concerns about the demolition of an important building in the Area of Special Residential Character (ASRC) and significant opposition from the Residents Association. Oral representations in support of the application were heard. The committee resolved to refuse the application for the following reason: The proposed dwelling due to its scale, mass and design would erode the spatial character of the plot and would in turn result in a dominant and cramped form of development, harmful to appearance and spatial characteristics of the street scene and Park Langley Area of Special Residential Character contrary to Policies D4 of the London Plan and 37 and 44 of the Bromley Local Plan.

• 70 Goddington Lane, Orpington, BR6 9DY: Permission was refused for the erection of a four-bedroom, two-storey dwelling with an air source heat pump and associated landscaping on land to the rear of 70 Goddington Lane, with new vehicle and pedestrian access from Warwick Close. Councillor Pauline Tunnicliffe had called in the application due to concerns about overdevelopment of the back garden. The Chairman read a statement on behalf of Councillor Tunnicliffe, and oral representations in objection were heard. The committee resolved to refuse the application for the following reason: The proposal, by reason of its size and siting on existing garden land, would result in an overdevelopment of the site and unacceptable form of backland development, detrimental to the street scene and harmful to the amenities of the neighbouring residential properties; thereby contrary to Policies 3 and 37 of the Bromley Local Plan (2019).

Other Matters:

The committee also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 31 October 2024. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Graeme Casey, and Councillor Alisa Igoe and Councillor Shaun Slator attended as substitutes. There were no declarations of interest. No reports were presented regarding contraventions or tree preservation orders.