The regeneration of Bromley town centre could edge closer next week as councillors prepare to look into using compulsory purchase powers.

Councillors are to consider using powers “in principle” should developer Countryside get planning permission for its major town centre revamp.

The Churchill Quarter plans – formerly known as “site G” in the council’s master-plan – outline major changes for the town centre.

The developer submitted its scheme last year, and it is expected the planning application will be dealt with next month.

The proposals include the demolition of maisonettes in Ethelbert Close, Bromley Town Church and three shops in Bromley High Street.

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In order to deliver the redevelopment in a “timely manner”, officers are asking councillors to sign off on potentially using compulsory purchase powers should they be needed further down the line.

“Authority is sought for an ‘In Principle’ decision to begin preparatory and planning work to use its compulsory purchase powers for all the land interests not yet in the ownership or control of the council,” a new report explains.

The council has already earmarked £1.1m for a specialist development company, part of a £24m budget to deal with the project’s CPOs.

If councillors agree next week, the decision will move to the council’s executive – the top team of councillors – for their approval.

The final sign-off can only be given once planning permission has been granted, and once “comprehensive discussions” have been carried out with the affected landowners.

Officers said the decision would “facilitate negotiations” as landowners would know the council “genuinely means to progress the scheme”.

“If terms to acquire all land interests and new rights by agreement could not be achieved in a reasonable timescale, compulsory purchase powers will be used.

“This would encourage landowners to negotiate in a meaningful way,” the report says.

A detailed breakdown of the costs of making a CPO would be drawn up later down the line should the orders actually be required.

Land potentially included in the CPO would be 40 maisonettes, three shops and Bromley Town Church.

The Churchill Quarter proposals include apartment blocks ranging from a single storey up to 15 floors – bringing a total of 410 new homes to the town centre.

Room for shops, restaurants and bars has also been included in the plans.

A community space would replace the demolished church.

The Churchill Quarter is listed as an area earmarked for regeneration by the council’s 2010 Area Action Plan.