To Follow.
Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal and Recreation
Councillor Alexa Michael, Chairman of Development Control Committee
Purpose of the Local Plan
1.2.1 Bromley's Local Plan was adopted on 16th January 2019. It was examined under the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the transition period of the 2018 NPPF.
1.2.2 The Local Plan sets out the planning policies, site allocations and land designations Borough-wide and is the central document in the Borough’s Development Plan. Other Development Plan documents comprise the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan, and Supplementary Planning Documents; currently Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing and the London Plan (2016). The London Plan forms part of the Development Plan for each of the London local planning authorities.
1.2.3 The Council’s decisions on planning applications should be taken in line with its development plan unless there are significant matters (material considerations) which indicate otherwise.
The Local Plan Process and Community Involvement
1.2.4 The Council initially consulted on its ‘Core Strategy Issues Document’ in 2011, and then, in line with the National Planning Policy Guidance (March 2012), moved to preparing a Local Plan.
1.2.5 In 2013 the ‘Options and Preferred Strategy’ was published for consultation, and the response to this informed the 2014 ‘Draft Policies and Designations’ Document, and in 2015 the ‘Draft Site Allocations, Further Policies and Designations’ Document.
1.2.6 Comments and responses to the earlier stages of consultation informed later documents.
| Stages of Local Plan Preparation | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Core Strategy Issues Document Consultation | Consultation Regulation 18 |
| March 2013 | Options & Preferred Strategy | Consultation Regulation 18 |
| Jan - Feb 2014 | Draft Policies and Designations | Consultation Regulation 18 |
| Sept - Oct 2015 | Draft Allocation Further Policies & Designations | Consultation Regulation 18 |
| November - Dec 2016 | Draft Local Plan | Consultation Regulation 19 |
| August 2017 | Submission to Secretary of State for Examination | |
| December 2017 | Hearings | |
| June 2018 | Consultation on Main Modifications | |
| January 2019 | Adoption | |
Duty to Co-operate
1.2.7 The Localism Act 2011 places a duty on the Council to co-operate on cross boundary planning matters with other local planning authorities and other public bodies.
1.2.8 The London Plan addresses many of the cross-boundary planning matters both within London and between London and the surrounding areas.
1.2.9 Bromley has borders with the London boroughs of Bexley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark, and with the Surrey district of Tandridge, and the Kent districts of Sevenoaks and Dartford.
1.2.10 Each of these authorities has its own local plan at different stages of preparation. Meetings have been held individually and collectively with these authorities and other public bodies periodically. Adjoining authorities and statutory consultees have been consulted at each stage of the preparation of the Local Plan. There is an established group of south east London boroughs comprising Bromley, Bexley, Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark.
1.2.11 The Council has worked with the GLA to achieve conformity with the London Plan.
Supporting Evidence
1.2.12 The Council has taken into account the London Plan’s evidence base as well as preparing supporting background documents as part of the preparation of the Local Plan. The evidence is available from the Council’s website www.bromley.gov.uk
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
1.2.13 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that for a local plan to be found ‘sound’ it should be:
1.2.14 The Government sets out national planning policy in the NPPF (March 2012). The Local Plan only elaborates on national policy where this is considered necessary to meet the vision and objectives for the Borough. Cross reference to national policy is made where appropriate and national policy will be applied in addition to the Bromley Local Plan and the London Plan.
1.2.15 The Local Plan has been prepared to be in conformity with the NPPF which in paragraph 157 states: “Crucially, Local Plans should:
The London Plan
1.2.16 All references to the London Plan in this Local Plan relate to the London Plan 2016. In relation to Bromley the London Plan:
1.2.17 The London Plan also provides a framework for assessing whether the Bromley Local Plan is ‘sound’. The London Plan establishes the strategy for housing provision in response to need across London to borough level. The London Plan also sets out the spatial strategy for development across the Borough in a manner that is consistent with the NPPF.
Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan
1.2.18 The Council adopted the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan (BTCAAP) at the end of 2010 and this will continue as adopted policy with the exception of the limited policies and designations in the Local Plan which directly relate to the Bromley Town Centre. These comprise:
1.2.19 The London Plan designates Bromley Town Centre as an ‘Opportunity Area.’ The Council is working with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to optimise the contribution that the Town Centre can contribute to the Borough’s Local Plan vision and objectives, and the London Plan Policy 2.13 Opportunity Areas and Intensification Areas. Policy sets out the planned early review of the BTCAAP consistent with the Opportunity Area provisions in the London Plan. Unless specifically referred to, the allocations and policies in the BTCAAP will not be altered by the Borough-wide Local Plan.
Bromley Today
1.2.20 With a population of just over 306,000 (2011 Census) and an area of 64 sq miles (150 sq kilometres), Bromley has the sixth highest population amongst the London boroughs (2011 Census) and is the largest in area. The Borough occupies a strategic position in the south east of the Capital and South East England with rail connections to Central London, easy access to the M25 and onwards to the national road network and major South East airports.
1.2.21 Bromley is a distinctive part of London’s suburbs closely connected to London’s economy, and the Borough itself has one of the largest economies south of the Thames. Open countryside, protected by the Green Belt that encircles London, makes up over half the Borough, with the majority of the population concentrated in the northern part of the Borough. The area of Green Belt has many characteristics in common with the rural parts of Kent and Surrey.
1.2.22 Bromley’s distinctive character arises from its protected open space: countryside, parks, gardens, playing fields and woodlands throughout the Borough. Tree lined roads/avenues and houses with gardens are distinctive features of many of the Borough’s residential areas. There are 131,000 households (2011 Census) made up of a variety of house types ranging from the older, more densely developed areas around Penge to the more spacious detached houses near to Farnborough and Keston.
1.2.23 A substantial proportion of the local working population travel out of the Borough to work, predominantly in central London. However, the Borough has a strong local economy with an overall workforce of around 121,000, about a fifth of these in Bromley Town Centre – the most significant location for shopping and business services. The 10 other town centres shown in are also vital to the Borough’s local economy and act as focal points for cultural and civic activity. The Borough’s smaller centres and shopping parades give a distinctive identity to many localities as well as providing an important source of local employment and access to services.
1.2.24 The main sources of employment outside of the town centres are in the Cray Business Corridor, local industrial areas such as Lower Sydenham, as well as Biggin Hill Airport, which is a strategic aviation and high-tech industry hub.
Structure of the Document
1.2.25 The structure of the document maintains the thematic chapters used for earlier consultation documents for consistency and ease of reference for residents, partners and the wider community.
The Council’s Approach
1.2.26 The spatial strategy set out in in Section 1.4 explains the Council’s strategic approach to delivering its vision and objectives for the Borough, while being in conformity with the London Plan and NPPF. The ‘golden thread’ through the NPPF, London Plan and the Local Plan is balancing and seeking positive gains for the economic, environmental and social well-being of the Borough.
1.2.27 Economic growth is focused on the three areas of Bromley Town Centre, Biggin Hill Strategic Outer London Development Centre, and the Cray Business Corridor. The network of town centres, and facilities and services to local residents, businesses and the wider community are central to the well-being of the Borough. Housing growth is focused in town centres, and areas of good accessibility with smaller infill development likely across parts of the Borough. Social infrastructure is distributed across the Borough to serve local communities.
Infrastructure Requirements
1.2.28 Although in general the recommended sites for inclusion in the Local Plan for new development are in areas already well served by infrastructure provision, it is important that the specific site allocations in the Local Plan are supported by the necessary infrastructure to ensure sustainable development takes place. Some of this will be site specific and will be identified within individual allocations, but, in other cases, growth in general will need to be supported by additional physical, social and green infrastructure to cater for the additional population and provide services and facilities. Policies will require developers to provide the necessary infrastructure for their proposals. Planning obligations and a planned local Community Infrastructure Levy will be used to secure infrastructure contributions.
Community Infrastructure Levy
1.2.29 The Council is currently preparing a Borough Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in accordance with the 2011 Localism Act and the Community Infrastructure Regulations 2010 (as amended). The levels of any proposed CIL charged will be consulted on separately.
Vision and Objectives
1.3.1 The Vision and Objectives for the Local Plan have been developed from the Borough’s Community Strategy ‘Bromley 2020’. These expand on Bromley 2020 taking the vision through to the 2030's. An overall vision for the Borough is set out with nine thematic more detailed visions for the plan period, each with a series of objectives, which the Local Plan will help deliver through its policies, site allocations and designations.
| Vision - Bromley 2030's “Bromley is known for the high quality of its living, working and historic and natural environments. The Council, local people, organisations and businesses work together to ensure that we all enjoy a good quality of life, living healthy, full, independent and rewarding lives. Bromley values its distinctive neighbourhoods, ranging from the rural to suburban and urban. Neighbourhoods provide a choice of good quality homes, jobs and a range of shops and services appropriate to the different town, district and local centres. Bromley Town Centre is recognised for its cultural and leisure facilities and vibrant high quality shopping experience. The protection and enhancement of conservation areas and heritage assets such as Downe, Crystal Palace and Biggin Hill, along with high quality new development have contributed to civic pride and wellbeing. The Green Belt fulfils its purpose, and, together with other open spaces, contributes to protecting Bromley’s special character and the health and wellbeing of local residents and visitors alike. Bromley has high levels of educational attainment, whilst strong and diverse businesses are able to invest to support a thriving economy.” |
Open Space and the Natural Environment
1.3.2 The value of natural spaces, whether private gardens, rivers, lakes or Green Belt, is recognised and afforded a high priority. Land, air and water environments are sustainably managed, ensuring that the wide range of different open spaces and habitats, with their distinctive animal and plant life, are well managed and accessible. As well as helping conserve and enhance biodiversity, Bromley’s natural environment supports the wellbeing of its communities, with open spaces and trees providing healthy environments and space for leisure and sport. Opportunities are taken to increase natural habitats, especially in areas with a deficiency, linking them together and improving their quality and accessibility.
1.3.3 Objectives
Health and Wellbeing
1.3.4 The quality of life in Bromley has improved in all its neighbourhoods with all residents enjoying better health and wellbeing. Areas with a concentration of social and/or environmental difficulties are being improved. Communities are served by local shopping parades, education, healthcare, leisure, green spaces, community and cultural facilities, including libraries and places of worship. New facilities are encouraged in accessible locations to deliver flexible and efficient community hubs. The environment is designed to encourage healthier lifestyles and maximise accessibility for people with disabilities. Residents are helped to improve their own places and local environments for the benefit of all the community. There is less crime and anti-social behaviour.
1.3.5 Objectives:
Homes
1.3.6 A range of decent homes of different types and sizes are available and housing supply is tailored to local needs. Any new housing complements and respects the character of the neighbourhood in which it is located, paying particular attention to the density of development, parking requirements and improving the choice of accommodation available.
1.3.7 Objectives:
Business, Employment, and the Local Economy
1.3.8 Bromley is a prosperous, thriving and skilled borough where businesses choose to locate. New businesses start up and grow using local skills, supply chains and investment. The Strategic Industrial Location and Locally Significant Industrial Sites offer high quality flexible accommodation and the Biggin Hill SOLDC is an important sub-regional hub for aviation and related high-tech industry. There is an improved range of employment opportunities for residents and education and skills levels have been raised throughout the Borough.
1.3.9 Objectives:
Town Centres
1.3.10 Town centres provide a range of goods and services and are safe, clean and welcoming for all. Bromley Town Centre is a competitive Metropolitan Town Centre, complementing others in the region and attracting a wide range of visitors to its shopping, cinema, theatre and restaurant areas. Orpington functions as a strong and vibrant major centre, offering a good range of shopping, leisure and public amenities. These centres, together with the district, local and neighbourhood centres, provide accessible shops, services and facilities for residents and wider communities across the Borough.
1.3.11 Objectives:
Design and the Public Realm
1.3.12 New development of all kinds is well designed, safe, energy efficient and complements its surroundings, respecting the existing scale and layout. Private or public open space, and appropriate car parking are key considerations. Good quality public art and street furniture make places more attractive and comfortable for users. Our roads and streets are clean but uncluttered, with street trees and verges improving their appearance.
1.3.13 Objectives:
Historic Environment
1.3.14 Our man-made heritage assets; areas of distinctive character, historic parks and gardens, listed buildings, conservation areas and scheduled monuments, and undesignated archaeology are protected and enhanced. No historic features are considered to be 'at risk' and underused heritage assets are brought back into productive uses. The Borough’s rich heritage is widely enjoyed.
1.3.15 Objectives:
Transport
1.3.16 Moving around the Borough is easier due to reduced road congestion and improved public transport networks. Commuting traffic has reduced as more people share car journeys and choose alternative ways of working and travelling. Reduced road traffic results in less pollution and greenhouse gases from transportation. Any new development should where appropriate include electric vehicle charging points and more car clubs, increasing travel choices for local people. Walking and cycling to work, school and for leisure, has increased and the road environment is safer for vulnerable users. Public transport is more accessible to those with mobility problems and is safer and more reliable.
1.3.17 Objectives:
Environmental Challenges
1.3.18 New development is designed in such a way as to not only enhance the character of the area but also to ensure it does not worsen any environmental problems. Buildings are resource efficient, using less energy, producing less carbon and conserving water. Opportunities for appropriate low carbon, decentralised energy networks and renewable energy are considered and flood risk is reduced. Less waste is produced and more is managed and disposed of locally through new cleaner technologies. Pollution control prioritises key local problems and new development helps bring contaminated land back into use.
1.3.19 Objectives:
1.3.20 The Spatial Strategy in the next chapter sets out the strategic focus for the Local Plan. However, the policies, site allocations and designations are designed to deliver the vision for the Borough as a whole. The implementation of the Local Plan and progress to the Vision and Objectives will be monitored regularly in the Authority Monitoring Report.
Spatial Strategy
Introduction
1.4.1 The Spatial Strategy identifies locations for strategic development and in broad terms the location for growth, areas with significant opportunities for change and enhancement, as well as areas where protection and more constrained development is anticipated.
1.4.2 The Focus for the Spatial Strategy:
Spatial Strategy map
National Planning Policy Framework
1.4.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2012) Para 14 sets out the three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental, and the purpose of planning to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
1.4.4 For plan-making this means that:
1.4.5 The NPPF (paragraph 17) sets out 12 core planning principles which the emerging Local Plan has incorporated. This includes “proactively drive and support sustainable economic development to deliver the homes, business and industrial units, infrastructure and thriving local places that the country needs. Every effort should be made objectively to identify and then meet the housing, business and other development needs of an area, and respond positively to wider opportunities for growth”.
1.4.6 The National Planning Practice Guidance (2014) Para 44 advises that “the NPPF should be read as a whole, need alone is not the only factor to be considered when drawing up a Local Plan”.
1.4.7 The Planning Policy for Travellers Sites (2015) sets out the Government’s approach to the provision for Gypsies and Travellers which the Council has complied with in the Traveller section of the Living in Bromley chapter.
Conformity with the London Plan
1.4.8 Section 24 (1) (b) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires the Council’s development plan documents to be in general conformity with the London Plan.
1.4.9 This requirement is a key factor in the Council’s strategic approach to the location of development and growth and specific Site Allocations within this Local Plan.
1.4.10 The London Plan imposes the minimum housing target for the Borough of 641 homes per annum (10 year figure of 6413), provides forecasts for employment growth of 13.6% increase between 2011 and 2036, and identifies the growing demand for school places and other social infrastructure.
1.4.11 The London Plan influences the spatial strategy for the Borough, identifying Bromley as restricted in terms of the loss of industrial land, with Strategic Industrial Locations, two potential Strategic Outer London Development Centres, at Biggin Hill and Crystal Palace, Bromley Town Centre an Opportunity Area and a network of town centres and regeneration areas.
Locations for Development
1.4.12 The requirement to be in conformity with the London Plan, in addition to the NPPF, guides the options the Council can consider for delivering the forecast growth over the plan period, and contributed to the earlier stages of the Local Plan preparation, the ‘Options and Preferred Strategy’ ,‘Draft Policies and Designations’ and 'Draft Allocations, Further Policies and Designations consultations'.
1.4.13 The Council has identified three strategic areas for economic growth at Biggin Hill, the Cray Business Corridor and Bromley Town Centre, while seeking to maintain employment opportunities, and access to services and facilities across the Borough. The re-use of existing employment land and floorspace for business use is prioritised with modern and more efficient buildings.
1.4.14 Social infrastructure is required to meet the needs of local communities and therefore should be provided in accessible locations. Ensuring the provision of sufficient education sites to meet the need over the plan period has required an assessment of sites across the Borough.
1.4.15 New housing to meet and exceed where possible, the minimum 641 London Plan target should be provided in sustainable locations, close to existing facilities, and re-use brownfield sites. The London SHLAA supporting the 641 figure excluded sites with open space designations. The provision of housing over the plan period will not be distributed evenly across the Borough, with Bromley Town Centre already providing significant growth as part of the adopted Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan (BTCAAP), and a broad location within the housing trajectory in Years 11 – 15 in line with its Opportunity Area designation. The intention is to commence the review of the BTCAAP in line with this new designation as soon as the Local Plan process is complete, The Borough has a substantial number of Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Residential Character which impact on the likely scale of development in these areas.
Green Belt and Open Space Designations
1.4.16 The preparation of the Local Plan is the time that the Green Belt boundaries can, if there are exceptional circumstances, be amended. However, once amended they should be capable of enduring beyond the plan period.
1.4.17 The Council is seeking to amend the Green Belt only where there are exceptional circumstances, and the amendment will help meet identified needs which it can demonstrate cannot be accommodated elsewhere.
1.4.18 The areas affected by proposed Green Belt amendment are: