Development plans for Waitrose at Bromley South

John Lewis Partnership has published the plans for building 350 flats for rent on site of the Waitrose store at Bromley South (45 Masons Hill). The details are available here - https://www.waitrosebromley.com/ - including an opportunity for residents to give their feedback on the proposals. We urge everyone who is interested to do so - the views of local residents will be significant when the Council meets to decide whether to accept or reject the planning application. The online consultation is open until 9th February so time is limited. 

The details:

• The store is expected to remain open throughout any construction on this site
• It will bring 350 new homes for rental only, all flats furnished and managed by John Lewis
• There will be provision for affordable homes at discounted rents, although details of how many, how much and how it's to be funded were not available
• The Waitrose store will be fully refurbished and there will be improved cycle and pedestrian routes, as well as a walkway linking the site with Langdon Road through a new woodland walkway. 
• Increased landscaping and tree planting, as well as play areas in the public realm that are accessible to all
• The development promises to provide a range of homes that are appropriate for renters with different needs, all high-quality and offering a secure home for people who choose not to buy.

Public Consultation

"If only it wasn't so tall" was one comment from a visitor to the consultation. And that pretty much summed up the thoughts of people who spoke to the Lib Dem team at the consultation sessions - so much to like, so much to applaud - but at 24 storeys it would dwarf nearby Perigon Heights which is currently the tallest building in Bromley.

More than 150 people attended the in person consultations on Thur 19th and Sat 21st January. The images on display at that consultation are on the Waitrose website. The Lib Dem team asked people for their views as they left - we didn't catch everyone but it was interesting to hear the mix of views. There was a lot of support for the scheme - the fact that the store was staying and would be improved, and that it will bring much needed housing to the borough. There was general welcome for the improved public space.

There were common concerns. Almost everyone talked about the existing problems with the access road to the car park, concern about the loss of some parking spaces, and exactly how affordable the housing units would be (there was no detail available about this at the Consultation or on the website).

But the big issue was the height of the tallest of the 3 buildings being proposed. 24 storeys will dwarf Perigon Heights (the green and cream buildings on the corner of Masons Hill/Kentish Way). Concerns were about the appearance itself, the impact on services of so many new residents and the fact that it will set as precedent for even higher buildings to come.