David Lloyd Beckenham car park plans upsets neighbours

The plans were proposed to residents on November 10, 2022 as part of an overall plan to expand the club, along with building a new children’s water play area and slide and expanding spa facilities and the pool terrace.

According to a spokesperson for David Lloyd, the decision was made to expand the already existing car park after feedback from both members and residents who felt that there wasn’t enough parking space in the current carpark.

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However, those living next door to the club on Stanhope Grove are not happy with the plans – with one resident concerned about cars coming and going outside her son’s bedroom from 6am to 10pm.

Since the proposal was made, Bromley Council has received 203 planning objections, with many people commenting on implications the car park might have on pollution and road safety.

David Lloyd Beckenham car park (Image: Google)

Jenny Ackland, who lives on Stanhope Grove, said: “The car park would be just opposite my six-year-old son’s bedroom window and there would be cars coming and going from 6am until 10pm when the club closes.

“I think Elmer's End is one of the most polluted areas in Bromley Borough, so I don’t like the idea of this car park adding to it.

“All of the residents of Stanhope Grove have got together to try and fight it because we don’t want this to happen.

“It’s not even as if we can use the club, we can’t afford membership and I don’t think many can on my street.

“It’s an exclusive facility that only the few can afford.”

In addition to the concerns about the car park, residents have addressed concerns about the proposed plans to build over a nearby greenspace that borders Stanhope Grove in order to expand the car park.

Comments can still be made on the application on the Bromley Council website, with a decision expected in the new year on the plans.

Jenny continued: “I feel upset, angry and it’s honestly had an impact on my mental health.

“I’m losing sleep over it at night worrying about my children and the impact this could have on them.

“If it does go ahead, I honestly think we’d have to move house with a car park that big right next to my house.

“There’s no way I’d continue to live here with such a size car park close to my house.”

According to community group Fresh Air Bromley, Elmer's End has the worst N02 readings in the borough and it is known for being a very polluted area.

Lib Dem Councillor, Chloe-Jane Ross said: “Poor air quality is a well-known concern at Elmers End. Bromley Council have very few air quality monitoring stations across the borough.

“There is only 1 live monitor and 10 diffusion tubes where average measurements of NO2 can be extracted. 

“The diffusion tube at Elmers End has the worst NO2 readings in the borough.  

“The Council’s last report on air quality in 2020 showed the annual reading at Elmers End was nearly four times the WHO guideline for NO2.

"This really is quite shocking and will be impacting the health of local people.”

A spokesperson for David Lloyd said: “The decision to expand the car park at David Lloyd Beckenham came as a result of feedback from both members and local residents that there is not enough current parking space at the club, leading to roadside parking in front of residents homes.

“We always want to do right thing by our local communities, and having listened to residents’ concerns, we are proposing a number of initiatives which address their feedback.

“These include enhanced landscaping surrounding the proposed parking area, retaining a substantial area of grass to the side of the proposed parking and avoiding interference with existing trees.”

A spokesperson for Bromley Council said: “The Planning process has been underway for some time with consultation now coming to a close and views have been received from local residents as part of this, which will be considered when determining the application.

“Comments can still be made on the application prior to it being determined, with a decision expected in the new year in the usual way.”

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