Biggin Hill residents object to 650-home plan on green belt

A VILLAGE that sits on the border of Kent and London is up in arms about a developer's plans to build 650 homes on more than 120 acres of greenbelt land.

- By CAMERON BLACKSHAW

Developer Welbeck Strategic Land wants to build a large residential neighbourhood that contains a care home, a community centre and public green space at Biggin Hill in Bromley.

The residential proposal was revealed after Welbeck asked Bromley Council how much information the developer should provide in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) were it to submit a full planning application.

This EIA scoping opinion request contains some information about Welbeck's plans but it is far less detailed than a full application. The proposed development would see up to 650 homes along with other amenities built on a patch of land known as Aperfield Green which is to the 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 opposed to the development don't want the green belt land 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."