Seven residential units at Langsmead Bungalow, Blindley Heath, Lingfield

The site

The site included a bungalow, former equine facilities, a barn, a sand school and disused caravans beside residential development and open land.

“The site consists of an existing residential dwelling, Langsmead Bungalow, located to the north of the site, in addition to a large barn (used as an indoor riding arena). A sand school, and several disused caravans, including a large static caravan, are clustered throughout the north of the site.”

“The site adjoins an existing residential area to the west, with the properties of the neighbouring Langsmead residential street backing directly onto the site. Further built form adjoins the site in the north, including further residential development and a water pumping station. The site is on the edge of Blindley Heath village, with fields to the east and south. The site is located entirely within Flood Zone 1…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal was acceptable in the Green Belt and would not cause unacceptable harm to character, amenity, highways, trees or ecology.

“The application site lies within the Green Belt; however, the proposal represents redevelopment of previously developed land that would not result in substantial harm to openness. The proposal would therefore comply with the exception under Paragraph 154 G and Policy DP13 and would not be inappropriate within the Green Belt.”

“The proposal is also considered to be acceptable with regards to renewable energy, trees & ecology subject to the suggested conditions. The development would secure a commuted sum towards affordable housing and off-site green space enhancement to meet the Golden Rules specified in the NPPF.”

Officer report

What people said

Residents and other third parties raised concerns about the Green Belt, access, traffic, flooding, character, sustainability, ecology, trees, drainage and amenity.

“Green Belt - Inappropriate, no very special circumstances • Equestrian - Demand for this land use London Biggin Hill Airport Received: - No representation received Principal Tree Officer Received: 12/05/2025 The proposal has been submitted with a tree survey and report (as amended). The report highlights that a number of trees are to be removed but does not define the number to be removed.”

“Highways (Access) - Not private road, significant increase in traffic, damage to road, impact of construction vehicles, no passing spaces, unknown ownership of road. • Highways (Junction) - Dangerous access onto A22, No sightlines/visibility splays, poor visibility to the north.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector spoke against the application and the applicant’s agent spoke in favour.

Committee debate

During the debate, officers agreed to add a condition requiring approved sewage disposal details before construction and occupation.

“During the debate Planning Officers agreed to add the following condition relating to sewerage provision on site:”

“No development (excluding demolition) shall start until details of sewage disposal have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with these approved details which shall be completed before the dwellings are first occupied.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the stated considerations, conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.

“Planning Officers also agreed to index link the financial contribution contained in the Section 106 Agreement.”

“R E S O L V E D – that planning permission be granted, subject to considerations and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.”

Minutes