Copyright yahoo
At a glance Over 5,000 people have signed a petition in just five days against Berkeley’s plan to build around 2,000 homes on green belt land in Bromley. Berkeley says its Ravensbourne Place project would deliver 50% affordable housing, new parks, orchards, and better walking and cycling links, arguing the land qualifies for development under the government’s new “grey belt” policy Residents fear the loss of green space, harm to wildlife and grazing horses, and added pressure on schools and roads, calling the plan an irreversible threat to Bromley’s environment and community character Over 5,000 people have signed a petition in five days opposing a developer’s plans to build around 2,000 homes on green belt land in the middle of Bromley. Housing developer Berkeley has unveiled its ‘Ravensbourne Place’ project, a large residential neighbourhood that would sit south of Bromley Football Club on a large patch of land between Hayes Lane and the A21. Berkeley claims the Government’s new grey belt policy has opened up the green belt site for development, as it “no longer fully serves the Green Belt purposes and is well connected to local services”. The developer believes 2,000 homes—half of which would be affordable—at Ravensbourne Place would help combat the country’s housing crisis. Berkeley also wants to build new parks, orchards and community allotments that will “open up areas that are currently fenced off”. It also wants Ravensbourne to improve walking and cycling connections to and from Norman Park and local sports clubs to make it easier and more accessible for Bromley residents to stay active. Berkeley has launched a website with information about the housing project and is asking residents for feedback. It is hosting a public exhibition on Tuesday, November 18 in the Ravens Lounge at Bromley FC between 3pm and 7.30pm. Many in Bromley are already opposed to the plans that would change the area forever. A petition opposing Berkeley’s proposals launched just five days ago has already been signed by over 5,000 people. Signatories are concerned about the fate of horses that currently graze on the development site, as well as the loss of green belt land and the pressure an additional 2,000 households would put on Bromley’s schools and roads. The petition reads: “This land is a vital part of our community providing open space, a haven for wildlife, and peaceful grazing for local horses. Many of these horses are elderly and have lived happily on this land for years. If the fields are taken for development, they will lose their home. Sadly, some are too old to travel and may have to be put to sleep.” Concerned Bromley resident Faye Martin said: “Green belt land is an irreplaceable resource, and once it is developed, it cannot be restored. The gradual erosion of these spaces in Bromley is concerning, and I fear that the sale of this land would only further diminish the green areas that are so essential for the well-being of both the environment and the people who live here.” Berkeley has asked Bromley Council to review its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report. After the authority has done this, the housing developer will likely submit a full planning application sometime in the future.
