Formal Response by Lib Dems to Waitrose Planning Application

The three Lib Dem Councillors for Bromley Town have formally submitted their response to the planning application by Waitrose to build 353 rental flats above the Waitrose store at Bromley South. The application is expected to be considered by Bromley Council's Development Control committee soon and the local Councillors have asked the committee to refuse the application but encourage local residents to file their own comments, whether in favour or opposed, so that the committee can hear their views.

Cllr Julie Ireland explained why the Lib Dem team had decided to oppose this application. "We are very concerned about the urgent need for increased housing provision throughout the borough and agree that this sub-area of Bromley South is a suitable site for development, especially given its excellent location next to a major railway station and within the commercial heart of Bromley Town. However, this is not an argument for 'any development'; rather we want to see housing which genuinely meets the needs of local people, including the needs of the many people who are struggling to find a suitable home in the borough and respects the rights of people who live nearby."

You can read the councillors' submission in full here. In summary the councillors have asked Bromley Council's planning committee to reject the application on several grounds including:

• The height and massing of the development - the highest block, at 24 storeys, will dwarf the neighbouring Perigon Heights (at 17 storeys) and even exceed the 19 storey tower of St Mark’s Square. If allowed, it will set an alarming precedent which will allow developers to push for the approval of higher and higher buildings throughout Bromley town centre. Some properties on the Palace Estate, particularly within Prospect Place and Langdon Road will be impacted by the shadowing created by the tower blocks at certain times of the day. 
• Lack of affordable housing - the development offers only 8% of affordable housing; as Lib Dems we expect a minimum of 35% in all new developments, and indeed this is what is sought under the Bromley Local Plan.
• Impact on Transport - Bromley South is already acknowledged to be one of the busiest stations on the SouthEastern network with seriously overcrowded platforms at peak times. With the proposed development potentially accommodating over 650 new residents, the impact on the station will be severe.
• Impact on Traffic  - Station Approach and the High Street/Masons Hill junction is an area with frequent congestion issues due, in part, to the drop off zone outside Bromley South Station and under-regulated parking procedures outside Bromley Police Station. The Metropolitan Police have objected to the plans saying the development "will fundamentally impact the ability of operational police vehicles to safely access Bromley Police Station without substantial delays.’

There are many positive aspects of the proposed development which we cover in our response but overall we are disappointed that John Lewis and Waitrose have failed to address the needs and views of the community when designing this development. 

We encourage residents to comment on the application, whether you're in favour or opposed, so your views can be taken into account by the Council's planning committee - you can file your comments online here.