An ePetition opposing plans to build 2,200 homes on Green Belt land across Hayes Farm and parts of Norman Park has amassed over 11,500 signatures. The early-stage plans from Berkley Homes received widespread backlash, with over 500 local residents turning up to Keep Bromley Green’s community campaign walk on March 22nd.
Key aspects of Berkley Home’s proposal include;
- 50% affordable housing across tenures
- 1,500m² new health centre
- Upgraded access to green spaces
Berkeley admits there’s been some confusion around the provision of affordable homes. In their second-round consultation, Berkeley state affordable housing will be secured through a Section 106 legal agreement with Bromley Council. This agreement earmarks homes for local people.
The London Local Plan defines affordable housing as including social-rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing. With a need for Local plans to take into account current and future housing requirements, targets and the priority for affordable housing across London. Berkeley plan 750 intermediate and 500 rented homes across the development. Regarding rented homes, there’s been no commitment from Berkley on whether they will be available at £700/month Social Rent or £1,400/month London Affordable Rent.
In Berkley’s initial public consultation, there was no mention of additional health services being provided as part of the proposed development. After considerable concern raised by local residents, a new 1,500m² Health Centre was proposed in Berkley’s second round of consultation. Despite the proposal, we’re yet to hear a legally binding commitment from an NHS trust or Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide clinical services from the proposed building,
While Berkeley claims their plans will “open up areas that are currently fenced off” by adding parks, orchards and allotments, in reality, they would be building on fields right next to an existing park, woodlands and community allotments. This doesn’t enhance or improve local green space; it’s a loss to what we already have. This includes the loss of grazing space for over 300 horses, some of which are elderly and may struggle to be rehomed.
During the second round of public consultations. Berkeley also confirmed that no new school places will be created as part of this development. This conclusion was reached after an educational needs assessment carried out by Lichfields Consultants identified nearly 1,000 primary and 2,300 secondary school places.
Despite transport being ‘high on their agenda’, Berkley’s second consultation was light on ways to limit the development’s impact on the existing transport network. Some of their high-level ideas included;
- New dedicated walking and cycling routes
- Reducing parking spaces for the homes
- Car clubs
- Providing a mix of uses to reduce the need for travel.
Safe to say their transport ideas barely scratch the sides, with little provision for increased traffic on Bromley FC match days, or the impact the development will have on those travelling to and from Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH).
