In March I wrote to Jim Kehoe, Chief Planning Officer at Bromley Council, to outline my concerns, as well as those raised by local residents, over proposals to build a 3G sports pitch in the grounds of Kemnal Technology College.
Many people in the local community had significant reservations about the negative impact the noise and lighting of the pitch would have on neighbouring properties, as well as the traffic it would generate not only on weekdays, but also over weekends and at unsociable hours.
An amended application – which included slightly shortened operational hours – went before Plans Sub-Committee 4 on Thursday evening and was, I am pleased to say, refused. The Committee concluded that the proposal would ‘result in an unacceptable level of noise and general disturbance to neighbouring residential properties, particularly during the evening hours.’ The full reason for refusal can be read through the link below:
Although no one wishes to deny the students of Kemnal College the opportunity of an improved sports facility, it is clear that the plans would have largely catered for others outside the local area, and as a result I believe the right decision has been made.
There is, of course, always the opportunity to appeal planning decisions, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely over the coming weeks.