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Options for Bromley - 'A Living Town'
Creating vibrant and thriving town centres is a major priority for the Council as a key part of the vision to 'Build a Better Bromley'. After months of detailed preparation, ideas for an exciting new vision for Bromley town centre are to go out for public consultation early in the New Year, shaping its future economic growth and enhancing its competitive position, while safeguarding its historic character. These options identify opportunity sites for new or improved shopping, leisure, community and health facilities, as well as additional housing that will bring life back into the town. All the options listed are the result of workshops with key town centre stakeholders held over recent months, and were considered at a special joint meeting of the Executive and the Development Control Committee (DCC), where they received unanimous cross-party support.
Views put forward during this six-week consultation will feed into a draft Area Action Plan (AAP), which once formally adopted will provide a long-term masterplan for development and environmental proposals. A transport strategy to ensure traffic management and parking levels reflect the opportunities for change in the borough’s largest commercial centre will form part of the AAP.
Councillor Colin Bloom, Executive Councillor for Local Economy said “Even before the closure of two department stores last year, it was clear that we needed to take action to rejuvenate the town. Moving forward with these preferred options creates opportunities for modern development while respecting the distinct character and heritage of the town that make Bromley special. Included are suggested improvements to our public spaces, with the creation of a new community hub and cultural centre around the library/theatre access. Cafes and restaurants opening onto our parks and greens will all contribute to making the town a more attractive place to live and work, and for visitors of all ages.”
Councillor Tony Wilkinson, Chairman of Development Control Committee said “An Area Action Plan will allow us to encourage planning applications that contribute to the Council’s overall vision for the town’s future, rather than in isolation. The Council will have the opportunity to approve the final AAP proposals in the middle of next year, after taking into account comments from the public and key stakeholders on these preferred options.”
Following amendments based on comments from councillors, the draft preferred options will be published for public consultation as “Bromley, A Living Town”. Look out for an exhibition in various locations* in the town in January and February. Comments will also be invited via the local press and online.
Although private investment will fund development, the Council has taken the lead through planning and design. Many of the Opportunity Sites are within Council ownership, but acquisition of land will be considered, if necessary.
ENDS
Editors Notes:
- The Executive and DCC will consider the draft AAP, including issues on sustainability, in June 2006.
- The AAP will be one of Bromley Council’s first Development Plan Documents (DPD) under the new planning system, known as the Local Development Framework (LDF), and as such will be subject to independent public inquiry, as it will introduce new policies to the adopted Unitary Development Plan (UDP). It is therefore unlikely to be adopted until 2007.
- Planning consultants EDAW were appointed to develop the Area Action Plan. Working alongside will be retail experts Donaldsons to ensure that recommendations reflect current market demand. Peter Brett Associates are advising on transport strategy.
- *The public exhibition will be on view on the following dates and locations:
19 to 21 January - The Glades (central walkway, lower floor);
23 to 27 January - Civic Centre, main reception;
30 January to 13 February - Central Library, High Street, Bromley;
13 to 17 February - Civic Centre, main reception;
20 to 24 February - Bromley Adult Education College, The Widmore Centre, Nightingale Lane, Bromley BR1 2SQ.
For media enquiries, please contact 020 8313 4391 or email ann.clay@bromley.gov.uk.
Background information is available as follows -