Eight rear air-conditioning units at Blendon Methodist Church, Bexley

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought for eight air-conditioning units at ground-floor level behind the church.

“PROPOSAL Retrospective planning permission is sought for the installation of eight air conditioning units located to the rear of the building at ground floor level.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached church building in a primarily residential area outside a conservation area.

“The application site relates to a detached building hosting Blendon Methodist Church. The application site is within a Primarily Residential Area and is not located within a Conservation Area. Designations…”

“- Borough Wide Article 4 Direction 2017 relating to the change of use to HMOs. - Primarily Residential Area.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered a rear extension, landscaping, parking and circulation works, and changes to the church hall and houses.

“09/00133/FUL – Single storey rear extension, landscaping, and resurfacing of the parking and circulation areas. Approved 01.09.2009. 02/00488/FUL – Variation of condition 10 of planning consent 00/00105/FUL dated 28.07.2000 to extend the hours of operation. Approved 02.04.2002. 00/00105/FUL – Demolition of existing church hall and erection of new church hall with single-storey front and rear extensions to church.”

Officer report

The main planning issues

The main issues were the effect on the property, street scene and surrounding area, and the amenities of neighbouring homes.

“Policies SP5 and DP11 of Bexley’s Local Plan state that development proposals shall ensure that the layout, height, scale and massing, façade treatment, and materials are complimentary to the surrounding area and contribute positively to the street scene.”

“It is considered that the air conditioning units are not unusually large and would be screened from views from the street scene by virtue of their siting behind the built form, and generally from neighbouring properties by a 1.9m high fence and some natural screening. The associated black pipes and fixings would be partly visible from neighbouring curtilage, however given the scale and siting, the development would be acceptable with regards to visual impact.”

Officer report

Environmental health advice

Environmental Health accepted the noise assessment and supported acoustic enclosures and daytime operation to limit noise impacts.

“I have reviewed the Environmental Noise Assessment (issued 27/5/2025) concerning the installation of 8 airconditioning units. The applicant has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of the potential noise impacts of the mechanical plant in accordance with BS4142. This assessment includes an analysis of noise levels at the nearest sensitive receptors and identifies the need for additional mitigation measures, specifically the installation of acoustic enclosures.”

Officer report

Objections received

Six objections raised concerns about noise, disruption, appearance, cables, air quality, heat, privacy, lighting, emissions and equality.

“REPRESENTATIONS Six objections have been received. In summary the following objections have been raised. • Noise and disruption. • Other locations could have been considered. • Unsightly cables and cable trays.”

“Out of character. • Air Quality impacts - Potential health risks resulting from emission of pollutants and allergens. • Heat Emissions - Discharge of hot air from units will create localised heat zones. • Loss of amenity and privacy through maintenance activity. • Loss to property value • Church is practicing in a different way from how its denomination should. • Installation of light • Contributing to higher carbon emissions. • Impact with regard to equalities…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector addressed the committee, which also considered the Ward Councillor’s submission.

Committee discussion

The committee discussed the application and considered the speaker’s observations, points and comments.

“The Committee was addressed by [name withheld] who objected to the application. The Committee discussed the application and considered all observations, points and comments made by the speaker and noted the report and the Ward Councillor’s submission for this application.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee approved the application by seven votes to two.

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 7/2 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted in accordance with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions controlling use and acoustic enclosures.

“Grant planning permission subject to the following conditions: The development hereby permitted shall only be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and documents: -”

“Within 3 months of the date of this decision, details of acoustic enclosures for the units hereby approved shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved acoustic enclosures shall be installed within 3 months of having obtained approval. The enclosures shall be maintained in accordance with the approved details thereafter.”

Officer report

Conditions attached

The units must operate only during specified hours, and approved acoustic enclosures must be installed and maintained.

“The units hereby approved shall not be operated other than between 7am and 6pm on Sundays and between 9am and 5pm on Mondays to Saturdays. Outside those hours, the air-conditioning units must not be used and shall remain off.”

Officer report