main content Waldens planning inquiry update

The three appeals relating to a number of plots at Waldens Farm has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate. The government appointed Planning Inspector heard the inquiry regarding the Green Belt site in June. The Inspector concluded that the proposed development would cause actual harm to openness and to the purpose of Green Belt.

Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Carr said, “we obviously welcome this news as I am sure local residents do. We refused planning permission because it would have been inappropriate development in Green Belt and the Inspector has agreed. This vindicates the our position regarding blatant breaches of planning control in the Green Belt and strengthens our resolve in dealing with other inappropriate development at Waldens Farm.”

The 2-day planning inquiry heard three appeals against:

• the Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the siting of two caravans, one mobile home and utility room on plots 648-658 at Waldens Farm;
• the Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the siting of two caravans and two mobile homes on plots 612-613 Waldens Farm; and
• an enforcement notice issued by the Council in respect of the material change of use of the land from agricultural use to use for the stationing of caravans on plot 803 Waldens Farm

Waldens Farm is made up of approximately 800 small ’leisure plots’ when the former orchards were fragmented and sold in 1974. The Estate was subdivided on a ‘grid-iron’ basis into plots of approximately 10 metres by 30 metres.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Roger, Communications Advisor, 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.