REFUSED

Description of application – Demolition of existing private clubhouse (Class D2) and redevelopment of site to provide a three storey apartment block comprising of 2 x1 bedroom apartments and 7 x 2 bedroom apartments together with the provision of cycle, refuse/recycling storage, amenity space and associated pedestrian access.

Oral representations in support of the application were received.  Oral representations from Ward Member, Councillor Russell Mellor, in objectionto the application were received at the meeting.

The site was not in the Beckenham Conservation Area but its access was and Councillor Mellor said many local residents had expressed concern at the detrimental affect the proposed development would have on the conservation area.  The site had one single file exit/egress route that was inadequate, unsustainable in terms of residents, and in his view  the proposed would be an intensive backland development that did not comply with the Bromley Local Plan or National Policies.

The Chairman had visited the site and was concerned at the proposed loss of a community facility that had been empty for some time.  She agreed with Councillor Mellor that the proposed residential development would be an intensive use of the backland site with a narrow access way that would conflict pedestrians and drivers with insufficient amenity space.  Her preference was that the wooded area should be retained and she objected to the application.

Councillor Katy Boughey drew Members’ attention to Highway Division’s comments referred to in the report and she also objected to the application.

Councillor Kathy Bance MBE was concerned that the reasons for refusal contained in the report may be insufficient if the application were to go to appeal as the fire appliance/heavy vehicle issue would still exist if the private clubhouse or a lesser future piecemeal development was on the site.

Councillor Suraj Sharma considered it unwise that the property had not been marketed for six months.

Councillor Joel had also visited the site, driven down the narrow access and considered it to be unsuitable for larger vehicles and preferred that the private clubhouse be used for local clubs such as air cadets or for the elderly etc.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED as recommended, f for the reasons set out in the report of the Chief Planner with an amendment to Reason 2 and a further reason to read:-

“REASON 2:  The proposed development constitutes an undesirable form of piecemeal and unsustainable backland development in view of the constrained access to the site and the impact on protected trees, resulting in an overdevelopment of the site with the potential to establish an undesirable pattern for similar piecemeal infilling in the area, contrary to Policies 3, 4 and 37 of the Bromley Local Plan (2019).

REASON 6:  The proposed development would fail to provide a satisfactory standard and size of good quality accommodation for future occupiers by reason of the substandard floor space provisions for the 1 bedroomed units contrary to Policies 4 and 37 of the Bromley Local Plan, Policy 3.5 of the London Plan, the DCLG Technical housing standards and the Mayor's London Housing SPG.”