Issue - meetings

REPORT HPR2020/007

Members considered whether three non-immediate Article 4 Directions should be sought to withdraw permitted development rights (PDRs) for change of use from office to residential.  The Directions would apply to three Office Clusters shown in the Bromley Local Plan (January 2019) which were Crayfield Business Park (Cray Valley West), Knoll Rise (Orpington) and Masons Hill (Bromley Town).  The Directions would not come into force until 12 months had elapsed from the date the Directions were made, subject to confirmation by the Renewal, Recreation and Housing Portfolio Holder.

The Chairman reminded Members that removal of PDRs would not prevent development but would add an extra level of protection as the applicant would need to submit a planning application for permission.

Referring to the high quality office space in Knoll Rise, Orpington, Councillor Huntington-Thresher reported the site was listed in Bromley’s Local Plan and was definitely worth protecting.

Councillor Owen reported that the change of use from offices to flats in Orpington had seriously damaged lunchtime trade.

RESOLVED that:-

1  the making of three ‘non-immediate’ Article 4 Directions to withdraw the permitted development right granted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), be endorsed;

2  the matter be referred to the Renewal, Recreation and Housing Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee for pre-decision scrutiny; and

3  Members note that the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing will be asked to authorise the making of the non-immediate Directions, which will come into force 12 months from the day on which they are made, if they are subsequently confirmed following public consultation.