Update 26 October 2021
The planning application, ref. No. 21/01294/FULL1, for the demolition of the existing dwelling at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE and erection of 3 three-bedroom dwellings with 6 car parking spaces, cycle and refuse storage and associated landscaping has been permitted. See the decision.

Update 7 October 2021
Further revised plans were submitted on 23 September 2021 in connection with the planning application, ref. No. 21/01294/FULL1, for the demolition of the existing dwelling at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE. It looks as though this may have been done to facilitate access to one of the parking spaces.

The planning application for Billingford has been listed for a decision at a planning committee meeting next week on Thursday, 14 October 2021 at 7.00 p.m.

Update 23 July 2021
We object to the revised plans here

Update 20 July 2021


Revised plans have been submitted in connection with a reduction to three rather than four houses in the planning application, ref. No. 21/01294/FULL1, for the demolition of the existing dwelling at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE.

The proposed fourth house has been replaced by three trees, and as a bonus there are now six car parking spaces, not five. 

Update 14 May 2021
We object to the latest application 21/01294.

Update 28 April 2021: A new planning application
Below: existing building



Below: the proposed 4 new buildings


Front elevation (south-east)
A planning application, ref. No. 21/01294/FULL1, has been made for the demolition of the existing dwelling and erection of 3 three-bedroom and 1 two-bedroom dwellings with 5 car parking spaces, cycle and refuse storage and associated landscaping at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE. See the design and access statement.

The standard consultation expiry date is Friday 14 May 2021.

Update 25 February 2016
The appeal against the decision refusing the application for the demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of part two/three storey block comprising 4 × two bedroom and 1 × one bedroom flats, parking, cycle storage, landscaping and refuse area at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE has been dismissed. We won (again)! See the decision.

The main issues were the effects of the proposed development on:

a) the character and appearance of the area;
b) the living conditions of occupants of nearby dwellings in relation to visual intrusion.

It was found that the scheme would be harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding area, notwithstanding the amendments that have been incorporated to address the concerns of the previous inspector.

Although the planning inspector accepted that the proposal would provide additional privacy for the occupants of No 27 and would not result in unacceptable loss of daylight or sunshine. However, these positive aspects of the scheme do not address the issues arising from the proximity of the proposal to No 27 and its position on higher ground. These matters led her to conclude that the additional bulk and mass of the building would

Update 4 October 2015
The decision refusing the application for the demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of part two/three storey block comprising 4 × two bedroom and 1 × one bedroom flats, parking, cycle storage, landscaping and refuse area at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE has been appealed. According to the appellant:
  • The Grounds of Appeal Statement has demonstrated that the development will improve the relationship with the neighbouring property at 27 Elstree Hill. The proposed building will remove overlooking windows and an existing external terrace which will significantly improve the privacy to the occupiers of 27 Elstree Hill. In addition, in regards to outlook and visual impact, the appeal scheme moves the bulk and mass away from the rear of 27 Elstree Hill which results in a considerable enhancement in terms of amenity.
  • The statement has also highlighted that the replacement built form complements the scale, form and materials of adjacent buildings. In addition the site layout ensures that development preserves and enhances the character of the area.
It will be a while before residents are advised of the appeal that is relevant to them. Thereafter, there will be a period of around six weeks when further representations can be made to the Planning Inspector. After that, a wait of several months to hear the outcome of the appeal.

The following documents are available:
Update 12 August 2015
The decision refusing the application for the demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of part two/three storey block comprising 4 × two bedroom and 1 × one bedroom flats, parking, cycle storage, landscaping and refuse area at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE is now available. Planning permission for the development has been refused for the following reasons:
  1. The proposal, by reason of its bulk and siting in relation to the neighbouring residential dwelling would have a seriously harmful impact on the residential amenities that the occupiers of that property might reasonably expect to continue to enjoy, resulting in an overbearing and unacceptable visual impact, thereby contrary to Policy BE1 of the Unitary Development Plan, Supplementary Planning Guidance, Policies 3.5 and 7.4 of the London Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.
  2. The proposal would, as a result of its excessive bulk and scale, result in a visually dominant and overbearing form of development which would be out of character with the prevailing form of development in Elstree Hill and harmful to the distinctive residential character of the area, thereby contrary to Policies BE1 and H7 of the Unitary Development Plan.
Update 10 August 2015
The application for the demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of part two/three storey block comprising 4 × two bedroom and 1 × one bedroom flats, parking, cycle storage, landscaping and refuse area at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE was refused at the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 meeting on 30 July 2015.

Update 28 July 2015
Billingford is being discussed at a plans subcommittee meeting on Thursday 30 July 2015 at 7.00 p.m. The planning officer's report is available; we are pleased to note that it recommends refusal. We are also pleased to note that Councillor Nicky Dykes will be speaking against the application in support of residents, and therefore the application should be heard by early in the evening.

Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley about 1955

Update 13 May 2015
There is a new application, reference number 15/01673, for the demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of part two/three storey block comprising 4 × two bedroom and 1 × one bedroom flats, parking, cycle storage, landscaping and refuse area at Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley BR1 4JE. The following substantive documents are available:
Update 9 December 2013
We are delighted to announce that today the Planning Inspector dismiss the Appeal. The principal reasons for dismissal were that the proposed building would be too bulky for the site and would have a detrimental impact on the residents of 27 Elstree Hill.  The full text of the decision can be read here.  It is of course possible that a revised application could be submitted.

Update 1 November 2013
A site visit is scheduled for mid November but residents will not be able to talk to the Inspector (he will insist). The results of the Appeal will be known within a few weeks of the visit

Update 11 October 2013
A site visit will take place as soon as an Inspector becomes available.  Details will be posted here idc.

Update 25 July 2013
This application has now been Appealed.

Please make your comments (open this link and scroll down to where it says 'Comment on this case') to the Inspector as soon as possible, and certainly before 9th August.  If you would like the Inspector to visit your property so he can see how you will be affected, please let him know.  You can repeat your previous objections, and add any that occur to you. Please contact us for advice if necessary and follow us on Twitter - @RVPSBromley.

Update 2 May 2013
We are very pleased to say that the Billingford application has been refused, unanimously and out of hand, by the Council's planning committee tonight.

We are very grateful to Cllr Harmer for speaking against the application and for the support of his fellow Councillor Nicky Dykes.

Cllr Harmer mentioned that he had had more letters of objection to this application than for any other application in Bromley Town Ward except for the Queens Garden development, which of course involves the whole of Bromley Town Ward and not just the local area, as Billingford does. 

A notable phrase from the evening was when one of the planning committee members said that the application was 'an attempt to squeeze a quart into a pint pot.'

It should be noted that it is quite possible that an appeal will be lodged or a modified (reduced) application may be submitted. 

Download the full Planning Officers report here.   (This is a PDF file so use Adobe or similar)
Above, an old picture of Billingford, and top, the proposed flats seen from the side

Update at 10th February
There have been some minor revisions to this application which can be found here (see documents dated 31st January).  However, they don't amount to much - just an indication that the materials used on the front elevation might be more attractive and that there are an extra three bike parking spaces (that's all right then!). We have made a further objection:

We continue to object to this planning application on the grounds that the revisions are minor and do not address the fundamental shortcomings identified in our earlier comments.

In addition, we would like to draw your attention to the London Housing Design Guide published by the Mayor of London and in particular the Standards laid down in sections 4.1.1, 4.4.1 and 4.5.1. (See  http://www.designforlondon.gov.uk/uploads/media/Interim_London_Housing_Design_Guide.pdf)

The standard of accommodation that would be provided by this application falls well short of the standards within this document which simply serves to demonstrate how poor this application is and how unacceptable the living standards would be for future residents.

There is another period of consultation which ends on 14 February and we urge anyone interested in this development  to make comments to the Council as soon as possible here.

Following our meeting on 1st November, it is abundantly clear that there is wide spread opposition to this proposal.  Indeed, nobody could remember so many people coming to one of our meetings before.  As such, RVPS has written to Bromley Council to object to this proposal as shown below. Our comments express the opinions of residents who have spoken to us, with which we agree. According to the Council's website this application must be determined by 17th November (earlier than we anticipated) and news of its progress will be published here.

Billingford, Elstree Hill, Bromley Planning Application 12/03024

In a meeting last night, the Society decided to object to this planning application on the following grounds: -

Policy BE 1

 Generally, we do not consider that this proposal demonstrates ‘a high standard of design’ because: -

  • The internal spaces are minimal,
  • One basement flat in particular appears to be inadequately lit and should not have to rely upon a light well,
  • The amenity afforded by the sitting room of the roof flat appears inadequate on account of it having only a single small window and relies upon two roof lights for additional lighting

All these facts suggest that the proposed redevelopment is too intense.

In addition, whilst recognizing that windows on the south flank will have obscure glazing, they can still be opened and as such there is the potential for very intrusive overlooking into the two bedrooms of 27 Elstree Hill, which is set at a much lower level.  Further, the occupiers of 27 Elstree Hill are likely to feel quite dominated by the sheer mass and height of this proposal.

This proposal would be the only block of flats in Elstree Hill and the immediate area and as such would be out of character.  At four storeys high, it would also be uncharacteristic of the area.

There is minimal external amenity area for the design capacity of 18 people.  What amenity area there is, is very close to 27 Elstree Hill and as such the amenity and privacy of neighbours may be harmed by noise and disturbance.

Green Chain Walk

The property fronts on to the important Green Chain Walk.  We are concerned that the overdevelopment of this site will lead to greater parking on the unmade Elstree Hill.  One of the pleasures of the Green Chain Walk in this location is its particular rural feel which is enhanced by the lack of any on street parking at the moment.  An increase in on street parking will have a significant detrimental impact on this attractive area

Trees

We note the following comment from the arboricultural report:

Retained trees

Given the distances from the proposed development only minimal levels of pruning are anticipated for the retained trees.  The orientation and location of Lime tree 377 means that occasional pruning (primarily crown lifting and crown thinning) may be required to enhance light levels reaching the basement flat.  Such operations should not have a significant adverse affect on the visual amenity of the tree or its structural condition

We are disturbed that the basement flats are so poorly lit that it is anticipated at this stage that lime tree 377 may need pruning to improve the situation, and clearly there may be pressure to fell it altogether at some point in the future.  Unfortunately, this tree is also needed for screening for the benefit of 27 Elstree Hill.  From this it is quite clear that the basement flat is an inappropriate feature of this proposal. 

Refuse

It should be noted that Kirkstone Way is less than four metres wide and as such it would not be possible for a refuse truck to traverse it.  Also, being unmade, it will be impossible to drag the 660 litre waste bins along it.  Furthermore, we notice that the refuse bins and the recycling bins are in different locations and we believe this is contrary to the Council’s policy of having everything at one location.

Fenestration

In a number of cases, fenestration looks marginal and we suggest that a proper analysis be undertaken of the anticipated daylight and sunlight levels.

 Policy T13 Unmade roads

Policy T13 (i) and (ii) appears to apply to this development which is located more than 20 metres, by our measurement, from a hard paved road.  There will be a distinct increase in traffic on the very narrow Kirkstone Way.

 London Plan 2011

There is no mention with from the application of renewable energy sources, or of the use of recycled water.
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This application is to demolish Billingford and to build a block of 7 flats.  All the related documents can be found of the Council's website here.

From the front, Elstree Hill, the block will appear to be of 3 storeys but from the South, overlooking 27 Elstree Hill, an additional basement flat will give four storeys. The new block would sit on a slightly larger footprint than the existing property. Any comments about the application should be submitted to the Council by 29th October, but this could be pushed, if you need more time to Monday 5th November.

Important considerations will be:

  • the degree of overlooking, and dominance over neighbours, especially 27 Elstree Hill
  • the appropriateness of a block of flats in a road that currently has no flats
  • the additional traffic on an unmade road
  • the quality of the internal accommodation. 
  • amount of amenity space (planning speak for 'garden') for up to 18 residents
  • whether this proposal constitutes an over-development of this site