222-home redevelopment at Bromley Civic Centre, Bromley

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing and redeveloping the former civic centre with 222 homes, a commercial unit, parking, landscaping and public realm works.

“Full planning application under application reference number 25/05307/FPA: Demolition and redevelopment of the former Bromley Civic Centre site to provide up to 222 residential and later living accommodation. Conversion of the Old Palace Building to provide a ground floor commercial unit (Use Class Order Class E) and residential accommodation on the upper floors with associated parking, cycle parking, landscaping, public realm and related works (Revised Description).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a former civic centre in Bromley Town Centre, adjoining residential areas and Bromley Palace Park, with a Grade II listed Old Palace.

“The site (former Bromley Civic Centre) measures approximately 2.5 hectares in area. It forms part of Bromley’s Housing Allocated Site in the Bromley Local Plan 2019 (Site 1: Bromley Civic Centre, Stockwell Close).”

“The site is located on the southern side of Rochester Avenue and is mainly surrounded by residential houses. The site is adjoining to Rafford Way, Stockwell Close, Kentish Way, Stockwell Close multi-storey car park (691 spaces) and the grounds of the former council-owned Y” buildings to the west. It is adjoining to Bromley Palace Park to the south. Murray Avenue is located to the east of the site. St Blaise Avenue and Harwood Avenue are located to the north of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included an environmental impact screening opinion, changes involving North Lodge and the Y Buildings, and refused prior notifications for two other buildings.

“Request for screening opinion as to whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (enviornment Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended) (the “EIA Regulations”).”

“Prior notification for change of use at North Building, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH from office (Use Class E) to dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to form 63 residential units, under Class MA, Part 3, Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended) (56 days application for prior approval)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission subject to a legal agreement, conditions and referral, saying the housing, public benefits and heritage improvements outweighed the identified harm.

“Full planning permission (ref:25/05307/FPA) be granted, subject to completion of a s106 legal agreement, planning conditions and GLA Stage 2 referral.”

“Listed building consent (ref: 25/05256/LBC) be granted, subject to planning conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent, a visiting ward member and councillors spoke in support, while raising concerns about affordable housing, parking and the extent of public access.

The vote

A motion to approve the application as recommended was seconded and carried unanimously.

“Councillor Simon Fawthrop moved that the planning application be approved as recommended. The motion was seconded by Councillor Chris Phillips, put to the vote, and CARRIED unanimously.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted as recommended, for the reasons set out in the officer assessment.

“RESOLVED: That PERMISSION BE GRANTED as recommended, for the reasons set out in the report of the Assistant Director: Planning.”

Minutes