main content Green light for Biggin Hill housing development and air show

The way is now clear for Bromley Council to issue permission for the proposed redevelopment of the former RAF Married Quarters, Biggin Hill.

The Government Office for London has indicated that the Secretary of State considers that his intervention is not justified and that the decision as to whether to grant planning permission remains with Bromley Council. It remains only for a legal agreement to be completed before a permission can be issued in accordance with the resolution of the Development Control Committee on 26 October.

Councillor Peter Bloomfield, Chairman of the Biggin Hill Working Party and Ward Councillor, who has been working for some years towards providing a Heritage Centre to celebrate the role of the airport in two World Wars said, "this development will improve the appearance of this part of Biggin Hill and provide much needed housing. The Council recognises the importance of the Air Show and there is no reason why it should not continue. This year's event is particularly important being the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The development proposal respects the heritage of Biggin Hill and provides an opportunity to realise the need for a Heritage Centre."

The proposal will replace about 50 houses and several large derelict buildings with 139 dwellings, create a new area of public open space and a Heritage Centre. Although in the Green Belt, the site is already built up and the proposal does not encroach onto open land. By clearing away derelict buildings and creating new open space the appearance of this part of the green belt is improved.

A formal safeguarding assessment required by law and carried out by the Airport's own expert shows that all safety considerations have been taken into account. There is no reason why the development will prevent the Airport from continuing as it does today. The Council have imposed requirements that the new houses are provided with noise insulation in accordance with Government guidelines.

The annual Biggin Hill Air Show will not be affected. The Council considers this to be an important event in Bromley's calendar with acknowledged significance to the Borough's heritage. The Civil Aviation Authority, who licence the Air Show every year and who were consulted by the Council, have concluded that the development is not likely to affect the granting of permissions for the display in the future.

The developers, Taylor Woodrow, intend to remove some unsightly derelict buildings and will contribute to a site and a sum of money to help bring about a Heritage Centre.

ENDS

Editors: For further information, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor, on 020 8461 7670 or Peter Martin, Head of Heritage and Urban Design, on 020 8313 4548 or e-mail Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.