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A village on the edge of London is up in arms over a developer’s plans to build 650 homes on more than 120 acres of green belt land. Developer Welbeck Strategic Land wants to build a large residential neighbourhood, complete with a care home, a community centre and public green space, at Biggin Hill in Bromley. The plans were revealed after Welbeck asked Bromley Council how much information the developer should provide in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) if it were to submit a full planning application. The proposed development would see up to 650 homes along with other amenities built on a patch of land known as Aperfield Green, south east of Biggin Hill by the A233. The corresponding entry on Bromley Council’s planning portal has received over 660 objections since it was validated on October 17. It has only received six letters of support. Many of those opposed to the development don’t want the green belt land to be built on or disturbed. One objector wrote: “I feel this is a jewel in Biggin Hill’s crown. This area is so important to the incredible wildlife and to the people that use the footpaths and bridle ways and enjoy the mental wellbeing that the beauty of the countryside brings. Once this has gone it’s lost forever.” The Aperfield Green Belt Action Group has also objected to the proposal. It was formed in 2001 to protect the green belt from “inappropriate development” after an application was put in by Linden Homes to build on the land. It was subsequently refused. The group stated: “This is a treasured area of green belt, full of wildlife… where local residents enjoy all the benefits of the green environment vital to their wellbeing.” Many fear that the ancient woodlands of Pimlico Wood and Withins Wood contained within the development site would be at risk of destruction. However, planning documents state that both these areas would be “retained and protected”. Welbeck is also suggesting it would connect the two patches of woodland with new woodland planting to “enhance biodiversity, to assist ecological restoration and to create interconnected, ecological green corridors that will provide a suitable strong new defensible green belt boundary”. Documents also state that any habitat features that support protected or notable species, such as bat roosts or badger setts, “will be protected wherever possible”. Welbeck does admit that the proposed development would have a “likely significant effect” on habitats and animals on the site. Objectors fear the development and the resulting influx of new residents would put pressure on local infrastructure, in particular schools, doctors’ surgeries and dentists. One wrote: “Biggin Hill already experiences pressure on local healthcare, school places, and public transport. The proposed scale of development — particularly including a care home — will intensify demand on services that are already stretched.” A Section 106 (S106) agreement between Welbeck and Bromley Council would be made if full planning permission was approved which would bring money into the authority to fund local infrastructure. Another major concern objectors have is more cars on Biggin Hill’s rural roads. One said: “The traffic in and out of Biggin Hill is already heavy at peak times and due to limited public transport links (and public transport in general being very unreliable), many residents need to rely on their cars. “I moved to this area to get away from excess traffic and because I wanted to live in a village, an area with low population density, surrounded by beautiful fields and wildlife where I can walk my dog and look after my mental health. By adding another 650 houses you will destroy this beautiful area of peace, tranquillity and wildlife and significantly increase the traffic.” Welbeck plans to provide two vehicular access points to the homes, both of which will be on the A233. The developer will also create multiple pedestrian and cycle paths across the site that will enable active travel and “ensure connectivity to both the rural countryside and Biggin Hill”. Bromley Council will provide its EIA scoping opinion to Welbeck by November 14. A full planning application is expected to be submitted to the authority sometime in the future.
