The developers of 1 Westmoreland Road have filed new documents on the Bromley Planning Portal over the last few months; the most significant includes changes the original application filed in February 2023. The original deadline for residents' comments (21 September) is no longer valid because of the extension to the deadline for the application - the Council will accept comments from residents up to the time that the Officers' Report is published, which we expect to be in January 2024. 

Here is our summary of the significant changes.

The configuration of the flats has changed to allow the provision of a second staircase (required under fire safety regulations).The result of this has been to reduce the internal size of almost all of the proposed apartments to the minimum size allowable under national planning regulations. The reconfiguration has also resulted in a reduction to the number of dual aspect apartments with an associated reduction in internal light levels and ventilation. The total number of flats remains the same, all being offered for sale (no rental). However there is a reduction in the mix of proposed apartments which will limit the potential target demographic of future occupants.

Affordable Housing - the developers propose to offer 4 apartments as affordable housing the form of shared ownership units, all of which will be wheelchair adaptable. 

The office block remains unaltered (1,572 sqm high quality office space). 

The Ravensbourne River Culvert (that runs under the development) remains a major issue. The developers state that they were not aware of their responsibility for maintaining the culvert when they bought the land, so they've allocated over £1m to cover the cost of surveying the culvert and also possibly replacing some sections. The developers are proposing that they are granted planning permission subject to a satisfactory survey being undertaken once the existing building has been demolished.This approach, the developers contend, is necessary due to the complexity of undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the culvert whilst the current building remains in situ.

The view of the local councillors

The revised plans have not altered our views on this development. We will oppose this development when it comes to the planning committee for a decision for several reasons, but this includes:

• the inappropriate height and massing of the proposed building for this site;
• the unacceptably low number of affordable apartments - we expect at least 35% but the developers are offering less than 10%;
• the size of the proposed apartments which will barely meet nationally prescribed standards;
• the impact on traffic and pedestrians at this already dangerous junction;,
• the impact on the view of Keston Ridge and nearby heritage buildings (including St Mark's Church);
• the impact on the culvert and sewage system (especially given the plans for nearby Waitrose flats and the additional tower at Perigon Heights);
• the impact on local services.

We will continue to update this page as more information is received.