Plans to convert Bromley’s former Civic Centre into mostly one-bedroom flats have been slammed for focussing on “transient, single occupancy homes” in an area that’s currently filled with family-sized properties.
Bromley Council sold the 6.74 acre site to Galliard Homes in April for £13.5 million. Bromley Palace, the Grade II listed manor house next to the former civic centre site, was included in the sale but Bromley Palace Park remains in public ownership.
Galliard revealed its plans to convert two of the centre’s office buildings into flats last month, and the feedback from residents hasn’t been positive. As of June 13, both proposals have received at least 24 objections.
According to planning documents, Galliard wants to build 65 flats within the Stockwell Building, 62 of which would be one-bedroom units. The focus on one-bedroom flats continues in the North Building, with Galliard planning to build 63 units, 53 designed for a sole occupant.
Several objectors have taken issue with the lack of units in the scheme containing more than one bedroom. Some pointed to policy H10 in the London Plan which states that housing schemes in the city “should generally consist of a range of unit sizes”.
One objector commented: “The overwhelming predominance of bedsit-style flats—combined with only two three-bedroom units—suggests a focus on transient, single occupancy rental tenants, which is not consistent with the established, family-oriented character of the Palace Estate. This shift could fundamentally alter the social fabric of our community.”
Some nearby residents believe the development isn’t in keeping with the surrounding area. One said: “This application proposes a high-density form of development that is wholly at odds with the established residential pattern in the area, which consists predominantly of four-bedroom family homes with established gardens in a peaceful family-oriented environment.
“The scale, massing, and design of the proposed building does not respect the existing streetscape and risks undermining the 1930s architectural harmony of this long-established neighbourhood.”
Other concerns raised include the potential for the influx of new residents living at the site to put pressure on local services, such as GP surgeries, schools and nurseries, as well as the effect more residents could put on local traffic and transport.
Although the plans for the Stockwell and North Buildings are the only ones that have been released with some detail, Galliard’s masterplan for the site states that the palace will be “sensitively converted into beautiful parkside apartments”.
It also states that the site will include “high quality retirement accommodation”, as well as new public spaces, a new pavilion and improved pedestrian connectivity.
Following the purchase of the former civic centre site earlier this year, Galliard’s Director of Land, Simon Welch, said: “Bromley continues to be a sought-after location for both residents and investors, with a thriving town centre, excellent transport links, abundant green space, and highly regarded schools.
“We appreciate the importance of this site for the London Borough of Bromley and are excited to play a role in shaping Bromley’s future, supporting developments that build on the area’s appeal and create lasting benefits for the community.”
Galliard was due to hold two public exhibition events to inform Bromley residents about its plans over the weekend.
