I thought Hayes Farm was Green Belt land?
Yes, currently, the site is being considered for development and is classed as Green Belt land. However, recent changes to the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) by the Labour Government mean that a new classification of ‘grey belt’ land – existing Green Belt land the Government considers of low quality – now means sites like Hayes Farm are being considered for development. In his strategic planning document, the Mayor of London has indicated he wishes to consider existing Green Belt land for development.
What is the position of my local Councillors and Bromley Council?
All three of your local Councillors have stood on pledges to protect the Green Belt.
Bromley’s Conservative-led Council has opposed changes to planning legislation. They made this very clear in their submission to the Labour government on reforming the NPPF.
What is the timeframe for the development?
Berkeley Homes is holding a public consultation in person at Bromley Football Club on Tuesday, 18th November, from 3:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Residents can also submit their feedback on initial proposals by Sunday, 7th December. Berkeley will publicise more in-depth proposals in the New Year and will engage in a further round of public consultation before submitting a planning application by May 2026. Once the application is submitted, the Council will also undertake its own formal consultation, where residents can submit their views before the proposals are decided by the Council’s Development Control Committee. It is important to note that the Council’s decision can be challenged by the developer, as well as the Government and the Mayor of London, via an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
What can I do in the meantime?
We strongly encourage residents to engage in the consultation process organised by Berkeley, and let them know of their views. When the planning application is submitted and is open to consultation, we also encourage residents to make their views known at this stage. An existing petition to Bromley Council will provide residents with a response to the Council’s current position. This may be debated by Councillors, but does not count as an objection to the proposals. We welcome residents getting in touch with us, either by email or by taking part in our own survey, which can be found here: https://www.bromleyconservativegroup.org.uk/HayesFarm
Bromley Council has received an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping application from Berkeley Homes for the Hayes Farm site. It is likely to be validated and made public shortly.
This is simply a submission for the Council and the applicant to agree on the scope of any EIA. It is not an application for the development which will come in May 2026.
Residents can comment on the EIA, but should bear in mind that this is not the main application and gear any comments specifically towards the EIA process
