Issue - meetings

Report ES19073

To enhance air quality in a targeted manner (as proposed in L B Bromley’s LIP3), it is intended to trial new green infrastructure (e.g. trees and green walls) around schools in the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Accordingly, it is proposed to install a green screen at the location of Valley Primary School, Shortlands with strong support from parents of pupils at the school including local fundraising for ongoing maintenance. The school has been chosen in view of strong community support and the school’s location adjacent to Beckenham Lane (A222) in the Friendly Streets Project area where TfL are able to provide additional funding.

Living green screens would be installed alongside the school’s flank fence adjacent to Beckenham Lane. Tree planting would also take place and dwarf tree/shrub planters installed for the playground and in spaces between the school fence and school building. Although details of the screen will be determined by competitive tender, it would most likely be made from Ivy and other evergreen species. As IdVerde will deliver the project, the borough’s role will be limited to a client function, engaging with the school and monitoring the success of the trial. The screen’s impact will be monitored for the first year with data already being collected on site by the school using an AQMesh pod monitoring device.  

The initiative forms part of a larger community led project to enhance green infrastructure at the school, the first stages of which include air quality mitigation measures (e.g. green screens) and air purifiers for classrooms. Other trees will be funded from the Community fund and vigorous fundraising led by parents of pupils at the school. 

The proposal is estimated to cost £30k, funded from TfL Liveable Neighbourhoods funding. This is in addition to £149k already allocated for feasibility development of the Liveable Neighbourhood in 2019/20. If the additional funding is not secured for any reason the proposed scheme will not be implemented. The cost of ongoing maintenance and liability will be borne by the school.

Prior to the meeting the Founder of Greener & Cleaner Bromley (& Beyond), the Chairman of Ravensbourne Valley Residents, and the Head Teacher of Valley Primary School emailed the Chairman with comments supporting the proposal. As requested by the Chairman, the comments were emailed to Committee Members in advance of the meeting. For information, the comments were also copied to the Portfolio Holder by email.  

Committee Members supported the proposal and it was RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve the installation of a Green Screen at Valley Primary School, Shortlands as part of the Shortlands & Bromley Friendly Streets project.