main content No to higher density housing

The Council’s Executive signalled its desire on Monday night to reject the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) Inspector’s report in relation to higher density housing developments in the Borough. It also underlined its commitment to protecting Green Belt and open space by not releasing any further sites for housing purposes. The Council’s response to the Inspector’s Report covering the Public Inquiry into the UDP will now be ratified at a Council meeting prior to the publication, for comment, of modifications to the land use policies and proposals set out in the UDP.

“This is not right for Bromley - we are saying no and having consulted local residents, we believe we are simply reflecting their views. Despite the Government and the Mayor of London’s insistence on higher densities, we cannot accept proposals that would undermine the very character of our Borough. We remain committed to protecting Green Belt and our open spaces that contribute so much and are appreciated by residents. We hope residents will support the stand we are making to protect Green Belt for generations to come” said Councillor Stephen Carr, Leader of the Council.

As part of the review of the UDP, a Public Inquiry took place before a Government Inspector between October 2003 and April 2004 to consider objections to the UDP. The Inspector has produced her final report, which recommends what action the Council should take in response to the objections received. Some of the key issues identified by the Inspector relate to the soundness of the UDP’s housing strategy, specifically whether housing targets are being met, and the related site-specific matters such as the suitability, or otherwise, of various sites proposed by objectors for housing.


ENDS

• For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 or Colin Ruddlesden, Head of Development Plan, on 020 8313 4517 or e-mail Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk