main content Ravensbourne scheme rejected

The proposed residential development at Ravensbourne College in Chislehurst was rejected at the Development Control Committee meeting on Tuesday. The scheme, to erect approximately 229 residential dwellings on the college site, was rejected because the amount of development was considered to be excessive.

"The scale and proposed density of the proposed development would result in the over development of this site. Whilst we accept that the applicants have amended their proposals, the number of dwellings has not even been reduced by 10%. We will not be pushed into making decisions which will result in higher densities that would damage and undermine the character of the borough", said Councillor Tony Wilkinson, Chairman of Development Control Committee.

The number of proposed dwelling units had been reduced from 251 to 229 following a deferral of the application in June which sought a reduction in the number of units and information on drainage and flood assessment. The application followed a planning brief in September 2003 as the College are proposing to leave their current site. It was noted that the flood assessment had now been completed and approved by the Environment Agency. The percentage of affordable was unchanged at 30% of the proposed dwellings.

The 18.3 acre site which includes approximately 5.5 acres of mature woodland which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is currently classified as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL). However, in the proposed revised Unitary Development Plan, it is recommended that the site is not classified as MOL, but the woodland and open land around the proposed development would be safeguarded.

ENDS

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