121-home residential redevelopment at Bursted Woods, Bexleyheath

What was proposed

The application proposed retaining and converting the former maternity hospital, demolishing North House and building 121 homes with access, landscaping, play space and parking.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the redevelopment of the site to include the retention, refurbishment and conversion of the former Bexley Maternity Hospital and the erection of new buildings to provide a residential development of 121 new dwellings comprising 21 x 1 bed, 60 x 2 bed, and 32 x 3 bed flats, and 8 x 3 bed dwellinghouses with vehicular access from Erith Road, and associated public realm, landscaping, amenity space, parking, servicing, and…”

“It is proposed to refurbish the former Maternity Hospital and convert it to 12 residential units. The proposals include the demolition of the side and rear ancillary wings. This building is referred to as Block F.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site lies between Lavernock Road and Erith Road beside Bursted Woods, ancient woodland, a railway, a GP surgery and existing homes.

“The site comprises an area of land of 1.46 ha in area, situated between Lavernock Road and Erith Road (A220) to the north of the Bexleyheath to Barnehurst railway line. The site is bisected by a minor road which forms a spur off the A220. The site includes the former maternity hospital on the northern side of the road and land to the south of the road which includes the building known as North House.”

Officer report

Earlier uses and applications

Earlier permissions covered temporary buildings, a doctors’ surgery, offices, residential accommodation, a rehabilitation hostel and temporary homeless accommodation.

“23/01569/FUL: Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to vary conditions 1 (Temporary Permission) and 5 (Operational Management Plan) to extend the time period until 30th April 2025 of planning permission Ref: 21/02570/FUL for the application for a minor material amendment to parent permission 00/01565/FUL to allow the use of the building for emergency temporary accommodation for the homeless for a temporary period of 2 years.”

“23/00266/LDCE: Lawful Development Certificate (Existing) for the continued use as residential accommodation. WITHDRAWN 21/02570/FUL: Application for a minor material amendment to parent permission 00/01565/FUL to allow the use of the building for emergency temporary accommodation for the homeless for a temporary period of 2 years. The parent permission being for the erection of a rehabilitation hostel for 15 residents APPROVED 15.10.2021”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers recommended approval because the site was allocated for housing, the scheme met allocation requirements, and its design, housing, parking, amenity and environmental effects were acceptable.

“The proposal relates to residential development in a Sustainable Development Location on a site allocated for development in the Local Plan. The proposed development is considered to meet all of the development requirements for the site allocation set out in Local Plan policy SA15. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated, through the submission of illustrative proposals that the policy compliant comprehensive development of the site is not prejudiced…”

“The development would provide a total of 82 car parking spaces for general use, together with one car club space, two visitor / loading spaces and one space for potential future car club use. Ten motorcycle parking spaces are also proposed. The proposed level of parking is in accordance with the London Plan maximum parking standard for an Outer London Area with a PTAL of 2-3.”

Officer report

What residents said

Ninety-five representations were received, including 90 objections, mainly concerning parking, traffic, infrastructure, ecology, building scale, neighbour amenity, construction and consultation.

“Revised plans and documents (including a fully updated Design and Access Statement) were received in April 2025 and a full re-consultation exercise was carried out. A total of 163 neighbouring occupiers were notified in this round of consultation (this includes those initially consulted and those who made comments during the earlier consultation). Site and press notices were also published.”

“A total of 95 representations were received (90 of which raised objections) in response to the above consultations. The issues raised in these representations, together with officer responses, are set out below.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A resident objected, a ward councillor raised residents’ concerns, and the applicant’s principal planner spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members used a thematic approach, discussed the application, and considered the observations and comments made by the speakers.

“Prior to the discussion, the Chairman suggested a thematic approach for ordering questions and comments, followed by anything else that Members may wish to consider.”

“The Committee discussed the application, considered all observations, points and comments made by the speakers and noted the report with the Addendum item for this application.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee approved the application by six votes to five, with the Chairman using a casting vote.

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 6/5 (the Chairman used his casting vote) to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them, and as amended by the Addendum.”

Minutes