Plans have been unanimously approved for new housing at the former Bromley Civic Centre.
The plans also include refurbishing the former Bishop's Palace and the restoration of heritage assets within the nearby Bromley Palace Park.
The application comprises 222 new homes on the brownfield site on Stockwell Close. The Grade II listed Old Palace is set to be refurbished for residential use in line with statutory protections, with Class E commercial space also provided on the ground floor to enable public access. This will allow for such uses as a new café, co-working provision or community spaces. Six unlisted buildings will be demolished and redeveloped on the wider site.
The planned housing includes 22 affordable homes, 25 wheelchair units, and 37 later living properties, across a range one bed, two bed, three bed and studio homes. Plans also commit £806,000 to restore four Heritage at Risk buildings and structures within Bromley Palace Park, including the Ice House.
Planning Approval and Listed Building Consent were granted at Bromley Council’s Development Control Committee last night (Monday 1 June), subject to completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, planning conditions and any direction from the Mayor of London.
Councillor Alexa Michael, Chairman of Development Control Committee, said: “This is a carefully planned proposal for this historic site, including the welcome restoration of the adjacent park’s heritage. It is a notable improvement on the previous application, which we rightly rejected. While the Committee had concerns, mainly around parking and the proportion of affordable housing, we should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. The regional and national planning policy requirements set around these areas are disadvantageous for Bromley. Sadly, they continue to work against the preferred outcomes of our local residents and Councillors alike.”
Public access to Bromley Palace Park will continue under the approved plans and will be protected by legal agreement with the council. A total of 38 car parking spaces, of which 22 are disabled spaces, plus 331 cycle parking spaces will also be provided. This reflects current London Plan policy around minimising parking in major town centres.
Ward Councillors were on balance supportive of the application and the Committee also considered residents’ responses to the planning consultation, which included 138 objections.
News of the approval follows the council’s cost-saving move of Bromley Civic Centre to Churchill Court at Bromley South in late 2024, with the council’s former site then acquired by Galliard Homes.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk