3G artificial grass pitch at Whitefoot Lane Playing Field, Bromley

What was proposed

The application proposed a full-sized artificial grass pitch with fencing, floodlights, access paths, acoustic screening, storage and associated works.

“Application details Application reference number(s): DC/25/142290 Application Date: November 2025 Applicant: Lewisham Council, Capital Delivery Team Proposal: The creation of a 97m x 61m 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) (Use Class F1) Community with 1.2m and 4.5m perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, and the installation of 15 metre high floodlights, together with the provision of a storage container, an access footpaths onto Downderry Road and Whitefoot Lane, top soil…”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site is part of an established managed playing field used by schools, sports clubs and an archery club, within Strategic Open Space.

“SITE AND CONTEXT Site description and current use 1 The application site comprises part of the Whitefoot Playing Fields, an established area of public open space in recreational use. The wider site consists of an existing grass playing field divided by a central pond, with the proposed 3G pitch located on the western section. A pavilion building and a small car park are also located within the site.”

“Figure 1: Site Location Plan Character of area 6 The surrounding area is characterised by open recreational land, a large pond, mature trees and areas of woodland, with limited built development.”

Officer report

Planning history

An earlier application for a footpath linking a school building to the playing fields was granted in 2011.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 16 DC/11/078395: The development of a footpath linking the proposed Churchdown building of Bonus Pastor School to the hardstanding of the existing pavilion within the adjacent Whitefoot Lane Playing Fields, Whitefoot Lane BR1, in association with the planning permission for new school buildings (application reference DC/10/74508).”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The applicant’s team supported the pitch, objectors and a local GP raised health and access concerns, and an Archery Club representative discussed facilities and construction impacts.

Members’ debate

Members questioned existing use, lighting, health evidence, equality, drainage, alternative infills and effects on the Archery Club.

“Officers advised that no separate Equalities Impact Assessment had been submitted for this minor application; however, the officer report assessed the proposal against the Public Sector Equality Duty, identifying potential temporary impacts during construction and noting inclusive design measures and potential access benefits. • Drainage performance of the proposed pitch and potential flood risk.”

“In response to the health concerns raised by Members, the Legal Officer advised that the application must be determined on the evidence before the Committee. If Members considered that further information was required to reach a decision, they should request that the matter be deferred. Members were reminded that research or information from alternative sources referenced at the meeting had not been tested or verified and should therefore be treated with caution.”

Minutes

The votes

A refusal motion was not seconded, a deferral motion failed on the Chair’s casting vote, and the grant motion passed on the casting vote.

“The Committee voted on the motion for deferral: three votes in support and three votes against. The Chair used the casting vote to vote against the motion for deferral. The motion for deferral failed.”

“In reaching a decision on the application and considering submissions made at the meeting, the Cllr Royston moved the recommendation to grant planning permission with all conditions as outlined in the officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillors Warner. The Committee voted on the motion to grant planning permission: three votes in favour and three votes against. The Chair used the casting vote to vote in favour of granting the application.”

Minutes

The final decision

Permission was authorised with the report’s conditions, including a minor amendment removing the requirement for full hydraulic calculations from the drainage condition.

“The creation of a 97m x 61m 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) (Use Class F1) Community with 1.2m and 4.5m perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, and the installation of 15 metre high floodlights, together with the provision of a storage container, an access footpaths onto Downderry Road and Whitefoot Lane, top soil bund and 3.25m high acoustic barrier and all associated works, subject to conditions including those set out in the report as are considered appropriate to ensure…”

“A minor change to the wording of Condition 4 (Drainage Strategy) whereby hydraulic calculations are no longer required. The requirement for full hydraulic calculations has been removed following consultation with LLFA who accept that they are not technically necessary or proportionate for the proposal.”

Minutes