The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 of Bromley Council met on Thursday 11 December 2025, approving five planning applications and deferring one. The committee considered a range of planning applications, including extensions to existing dwellings, the subdivision of a property, and the redevelopment of a site for new housing.

Planning Applications Approved

Spring Lodge, Elizabeth Way, Orpington, BR5 4BH The committee approved the demolition of the existing building at Spring Lodge and the erection of a part three, part-four storey building to provide 20 new dwellings. The proposal was noted as a significant contribution to the borough's housing supply, providing 20 units of social rent tenure. Concerns were raised by the Urban Design Officer regarding the building's massing and architectural quality, and by the Heritage Officer regarding potential harm to the setting of nearby heritage assets. However, these concerns were outweighed by the public benefits of the development, particularly the provision of much-needed affordable housing. The proposal also included a substantial Biodiversity Net Gain uplift of approximately 129%.

12 Crossley Close, Biggin Hill, Westerham, TN16 3BL Permission was granted for the demolition of a single-storey side extension and rear conservatory, and the erection of single-storey front and side extensions, a two-storey rear extension with a dormer, and loft conversion. The proposal also includes the subdivision of the property into two dwellings, the erection of two detached outbuildings, and associated accesses, parking, and landscaping. The committee noted that the proposed development was largely in line with previously granted Lawful Development Certificates and would not detrimentally impact the character of the area or the amenities of neighbouring residents. Permitted development rights were removed by condition to prevent further harmful extensions.

21 Lynwood Grove, Orpington, BR6 0BD The committee approved the removal of an existing chimney and the erection of part one/two storey front, side, and rear extensions with Juliet balconies, along with loft alterations and elevational changes. This application followed a previous refusal for a similar scheme due to concerns about overshadowing and loss of sunlight. The current application included a Daylight and Sunlight Assessment, which supported the findings that the proposed development would not have a significantly harmful impact on the amenities of the neighbouring property at No. 23 Lynwood Grove. The separation distances to the boundaries were considered to be more generous than those approved for the neighbouring property.

153-155 High Street, Penge, London, SE20 7DS Planning permission was granted for internal and external alterations, including partial demolition to form a lightwell, extension of the third floor, and a change of use from mixed use (residential and Class E) to an aparthotel with 20 rooms (Class C1). The proposal also includes alterations to the ground floor retail units, new shop fronts, and integral refuse and cycle storage. The application had been deferred at a previous meeting to seek further information on the operation and management of the aparthotel. The submitted Operation and Management Plan addressed these concerns, and conditions were imposed to ensure the use remains as an aparthotel and not a permanent residence. The proposal was considered to comply with policies relating to visitor infrastructure and town centre development.

23 Oakfield Lane, Keston, BR2 6BY Permission was granted for part one/part two storey side, rear, and front extensions with a roof terrace and elevational changes. The proposal was considered to be broadly consistent with a previously approved scheme and would not result in a harmful impact on the appearance of the host dwelling or the amenities of neighbouring properties. Concerns raised by neighbours regarding the roof terrace and its impact on privacy were addressed through the proposed design and privacy screening.

Planning Application Deferred

(25/04904/LDC) - 7 Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, TN16 3SA The committee deferred the determination of this application for a Lawful Development Certificate for the use of land to site a mobile home. The application sought to establish the lawfulness of the mobile home, which neighbours objected to, citing concerns about overdevelopment, the structure's non-transportable nature, and its impact on neighbouring amenity. The officer's assessment concluded that the mobile home, as described, would not constitute operational development or a material change of use of the land, and therefore recommended granting the certificate. However, the deferral indicates further consideration is required.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Alexa Michael and Councillor Colin Hitchins declared they knew the objecting speaker on agenda item 4.1. Councillor Shaun Slator declared he was a Trustee of Cray Valley Memorial Hall, which owns the neighbouring building relevant to agenda item 4.3.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Councillor Kevin Kennedy-Brooks.