Councillors edged closer to using compulsory purchase powers last night as developers confirmed a major regeneration scheme for Bromley town centre could be completed by 2025.
The Churchill Quarter scheme– formerly known as ‘Site G’ in the council’s master-plan – was submitted by Countryside last year.
The huge plans would see land near Library Gardens regenerated, with towers as tall as 14 storeys built – bringing 410 homes.
The proposals include the demolition of maisonettes in Ethelbert Close, Bromley Town Church and three shops in Bromley High Street.
The demolished church would move into a new community space, with room for shops, restaurants and bars also included in the plans.
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For the scheme to get off the ground, councillors were told last night that compulsory purchase orders would be needed – mainly for land in Ethelbert Close.
Councillors were asked to sign off on using the powers “in principle”, subject to planning permission and detailed proposals being put forward later.
Kevin Munnelly, head of renewal, said last night: “Best practice guidance says a scheme should seek in principle approvals to facilitate schemes where it’s believed those powers will be required to bring sites together.
“This will allow us to move forward with the process of making the CPO, in parallel with our negotiations to acquire the sites.”
The council has already spent or committed £1.4m to getting properties in Ethelbert Close, part of a £24m budget to deal with the project’s CPOs – which would be reimbursed by the developer.
When asked if there has been much opposition, Mr Munnelly said: “It’s a difficult one. Sometimes it takes time, people get used to a development plan, and not necessarily anything happening.
“Obviously we have started the negotiations so time will tell. To date we have made six purchases of residential properties.
“We anticipate the CPO will be required to acquire the full interest of the site.”
Land potentially included in the CPO would be the maisonettes, three shops and Bromley Town Church.
The use of CPOs would still need to be signed off again by scrutiny councillors and Bromley’s executive should the plans be approved at a meeting later this year – likely March.
Will Evans, Countryside’s planning consultant, gave a project update to councillors last night.
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“This site has been earmarked for 10 years now, reinforced by Bromley’s new local plan,” Mr Evans said.
“In terms of the scheme 407 new homes with a 35 per cent mix affordable, and that’s a genuine mix of affordable housing, split between shared ownership and social rent. There are not many schemes with that quantum.”
If approved later this year, Countryside would give Bromley Council little over £3m as part of a planning agreement called section 106 – meaning the authority gets cash for road improvements, health and education budgets.
“We want to make a start in September 2020 with final completion by 2025,” Mr Evans said.
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