Planning permission for a new housing and retail development on Penge High Street has been granted by Bromley Council, subject to conditions and any direction from the Mayor of London.
The new development - a joint venture between Hadley Property Group and Clarion Housing Group - would deliver 230 homes, 73 of which would be much-needed affordable housing. The existing Blenheim Shopping Centre would be demolished to allow for the scheme, with 2,500 sqm of commercial floorspace included within the plans to help revitalise Penge’s town centre and secure its long-term future as a District Centre. The commercial floorspace will include space for a new Iceland store.
The scheme also includes 24 parking spaces, replacing the under-used car park currently located at the site, and a new pocket park with associated landscaping improvements that will be maintained by a maintenance company.
Councillor Alexa Michael, Chairman of the Development Control Committee, said: “After careful consideration, permission was granted for this development which will make a substantial contribution to meeting the need for more housing across the borough. Whilst we understand the concerns, the proposal met the various required planning policies, including affordable housing, and will help to enhance and regenerate Penge’s retail landscape. By granting permission, we were able to impose conditions, crucially to reinforce the welcome recommended reduction in height from the original proposal.”
The permission is subject to a number of conditions imposed by the committee, including waiving permitted development rights to prevent any future upward extensions to the four buildings included in the scheme, which range from three to 16 storeys. Other conditions related to fire exits for wheelchair-accessible flats, EV charging and the ridge height of roofs.
The application had been amended following public consultation in early 2023, with the number of storeys being reduced to reflect the feedback received.
Due to the high number of residential units proposed, the application must now be agreed by the Mayor of London.
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Editor’s note - The Development Control Committee meeting took place on Monday 4 March.
For media enquiries, please contact: Olivia Marshall, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8461 7857 or email olivia.marshall@bromley.gov.uk.