EV charging equipment at Hall Place, Bourne Road, Crayford

“SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Installation of substation and ancillary cabinets for EV charging within the car park…”

“SUMMARY The application seeks planning permission for the installation of a substation, metering cabinet and ancillary electrical equipment within Hall Place Car Park to support EV charging infrastructure. The associated EV charging upstands have been confirmed as lawful development under application reference 25/02250/LDCP and do not form part of this application.”

“The application site comprises part of the existing Hall Place Car Park, located to the east of Hall Place, outside the curtilage of the historic Hall Place estate. The site forms part of the principal car parking area serving the wider Hall Place area. The proposal site is positioned at the eastern end of the main car park, which runs broadly parallel to Bourne Road.”

“The wider surrounding area contains a number of designated heritage assets, including Hall Place, which is both a Scheduled Monument and Grade I listed building, together with other Grade I and Grade II listed structures. The nearby Hall Place estate also includes a Grade II Registered Park and Garden. Additionally, the site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt.”

“25/02250/LDCP Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) for the installation of electrical upstands for electric vehicle charging. Deemed Lawful 30.12.2025”

“RECOMMENDATION That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to conditions.”

“REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION The proposal is acceptable in principle and would support sustainable transport and carbon reduction objectives. The development would be limited in scale, located within an existing car park and would not materially harm the openness of the Metropolitan Green Belt.”

“The Highway Authority raises no objection, noting that the proposed structures would be located within the verge between the access road and car park, approximately 14.5 metres from the highway boundary, and would not affect visibility or the local highway network. The net loss of six parking spaces is noted but would represent less than 2% of the standard parking provision and is not considered significant.”

“The Conservation Officer also raises no objection, concluding that the proposal would preserve the setting of the Hall Place heritage assets and result in no heritage harm. Any visual impacts, including localised tree loss, are considered acceptable subject to…”

“Questions the need for dedicated Tesla charging spaces, considering they would privatise public open space within a historic setting. ➢ The development would not adequately protect the listed buildings and their historic setting. ➢ Disputes the applicant’s parking assessment, stating that the car park is already difficult to use during busy periods. ➢ Queries regarding the users of the proposed EV provision.”

“Additional EV chargers are needed in this area and will bring more visitors to the borough.”

“The Committee discussed the application and noted the report and the Addendum item for this application.”

“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.”

“Prior to installation above ground level, details of the external materials, colours and finishes of the substation, cabinet and ancillary electrical equipment shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall thereafter be carried out in accordance with the approved details.”

“Prior to the commencement of development, a detailed Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The details shall demonstrate how all retained trees will be protected during the construction period and shall include the extent of the Root Protection Areas, tree protection fencing, ground protection measures, construction methodologies, and arboricultural supervision requirements in…”