Martial arts studio hours at 168 Blackfen Road, Sidcup
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Bexley Planning Committee on 23 Jul 2026.
What was proposed
The applicant sought to change the permitted opening hours for a martial arts studio under a Section 73 application.
“This is an application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to vary condition 5 (Opening Hours) to amend opening hours of planning permission Ref: 19/01738/FUL for the Change of use from light industrial (Class B1) to Martial Arts Studio (Class D2).”
“This application seeks to amend condition 5 to vary the operating hours to the following: - 07:30 to 21:00 hours Monday to Friday - 08:00 - 15:00 hours on Saturdays; and - 08:00 – 15:00 hours on Sundays and Bank Holidays.”
Officer report
The site and surroundings
The site is a single-storey warehouse in a mainly residential area, accessed from Blackfen Road, which also serves 10 dwellings.
“The application site is situated within a predominantly residential area, with access to the site provided via Blackfen Road. This access also provides access to 10 dwellings.”
“The application site consists of a single storey warehouse unit which was previously used for light industry (Use Class B1) but was granted permission in 2019 (ref. no. 19/01738/FUL) for a Change of Use to a Martial Arts Studio (Class D2).”
Officer report
What officers recommended
Officers recommended approval, finding the proposed hours acceptable because existing conditions would continue to protect residential amenity.
“The key issue to consider is the impact on neighbouring amenity. Consideration must also be given to the extant full planning permission (ref. 19/01738/FUL) and its conditions.”
“For the reasons set out in the report, it is considered that the amendments proposed are considered to fall within the remit of a S73 application and that it is acceptable to vary condition 5 and allow the variation in the opening hours as proposed.”
Officer report
What consultees said
Environmental Health reported three complaints about amplified music but raised no objection to the proposed opening hours.
“The complaints were in relation to amplified music at the site premises.”
“In relation to this planning application, Environmental Health has no objection.”
Officer report
What residents said
Four objections raised concerns about noise, increased activity, amplified music and the premises being advertised for parties and weddings.
“Impact on residential amenity (neighbours) Anticipated increase in general noise and activity from the application site and concerns regarding the playing of amplified music.”
Officer report
Committee discussion
The committee discussed the application and noted the officer report and its addendum.
“26/00403/FUL - 168 BLACKFEN ROAD, SIDCUP, KENT, DA15 8PT (Agenda Item No. 5h)”
“The Committee discussed the application and noted the report and the Addendum item for this application.”
Minutes
The vote and decision
Members voted 11 to 0 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation, as amended by the addendum.
“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 11/0 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them and as amended by the Addendum.”
Minutes
Conditions on the permission
The permission retained the martial arts studio use, approved the revised hours and prohibited amplified, recorded or live music.
“The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out otherwise than in complete accordance with the approved plans, being Drawing No(s) SKK2116-001 and 00/2107/01 and any approval granted subsequently pursuant to this permission. Reason: To prevent any unacceptable deviation from the approved plans. 3.”
“The playing of amplified, recorded or live music within the development hereby approved shall be prohibited at all times, unless approved otherwise in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”
Officer report
Sources
- Bexley Planning Committee minutes, 23 July 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Bexley's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Committee
- Bexley Planning Committee
- Council
- Bexley
- Date
- Thursday 23 July 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Vote
- 11 for, 0 against
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- Bexley committee decisions →
Source: Plota analysis of the minutes.
This committee's year
54 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 6 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.