A planning application to develop a London Aerospace and Technology College (LATC) at Biggin Hill was approved with conditions by Bromley Council's Development Control Committee on Tuesday 23 July.

The application, submitted by London South East Colleges (LSEC), proposed that the college be constructed on the South Camp area. The applicant, working in partnership with London Biggin Hill Airport (LBHA), intends to locate the college at the junction of Main Road and Churchill Way which forms part of the Biggin Hill Strategic Outer London Growth Area (SOLDC).

A separate application proposing minor revisions and amendments to a scheme for a hotel with 56 bedrooms to facilitate the development of the application site for education purposes was also approved.

Councillor Alexa Michael, Chairman of Development Control Committee, said "There is currently a huge shortage of aeronautical engineers and mechanics in the UK and a definite need for this type of training facility. Bromley's Local Plan supports the growth of aviation-related employment on the Biggin Hill Airport site. It is not considered that the travel arrangements of students to and from the site will have an adverse effect on local businesses and residents but, the potential impact on local residents is important.  It is for this reason that a review of on-street parking will be undertaken once the college is in use.”

It was outlined at the Development Control Committee that the appearance of the building has been designed to complement the prevailing industrial character of this area. The introduction of the gold design feature for the College will highlight its presence. 

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Published: 25th July 2019