The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 of Bromley Council was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including proposals for children's homes and a house in multiple occupation, as well as the confirmation of Tree Preservation Orders. The meeting's agenda also included a report on the Castlecombe Children and Family Centre.

Planning Applications

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

A proposal was scheduled for discussion regarding the change of use of 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 was called in by Councillor Alexa Michael due to concerns about potential harm to heritage assets, intensification of use, suitability of accommodation, and impact on highways. The report pack indicated that the property has been vacant for over two years and is a Grade II Statutory Listed building within the Keston Village Conservation Area. The proposal would involve internal alterations to accommodate staff accommodation and activity rooms, but no external changes were planned. 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. The recommendation was for permission to be granted, subject to conditions including the submission of a management plan.

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 4-person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4). This would involve excavation of the front garden to create two off-street parking spaces, along with provision for refuse and cycle storage. The application was called in by Councillor Shaun Slator, Chairman of the Plans Sub-Committee No. 1, to discuss intensification. The report pack highlighted that previous applications for a 6-bed HMO at this site had been refused due to concerns over intensification, inadequate accommodation standards, and highway impacts. The current proposal sought to address these concerns by reducing the occupancy to four people. The recommendation was for permission to be granted, subject to conditions including a maximum occupancy limit and the submission of a HMO management plan.

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

A planning application for the Castlecombe Children and Family Centre was listed for discussion. The report pack indicated that this application was to follow.

Tree Preservation Orders

Land between 3 and 5 Hanbury Drive, Biggin Hill

The committee was scheduled to consider the confirmation of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 3046. Objections had been received from the landowner, who argued that the TPO covered trees of limited significance and that the Council had not provided sufficient evidence for its necessity. The report pack stated that the trees contribute to the amenity of the surrounding local area and that an area TPO was considered justified following a visual assessment using the TEMPO (Tree Evaluation Method for Preservation Orders) scoring system. The recommendation was to confirm the TPO without modification.

Land North West Opposite The Southern Junction of Snag Lane with Cudham Lane North

The confirmation of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 3051 was also scheduled for discussion. Objections were raised by the landowner, who described the trees as a sparse covering of self-seeded trees rather than a woodland, and argued that the TPO damaged land value and prevented necessary hedge maintenance. The report pack indicated that the TPO was made to protect remaining trees and those to be planted as a remedy for unauthorised felling that had occurred on the site. The recommendation was to confirm the TPO without modification.