Hundreds object to Beckenham scaffolding business plans

The proposal was made to Bromley Council from Masons Scaffolding to provide a scaffolding equipment storage and distribution yard in Churchfields Road, Beckenham, in an application form submitted in April 2024.

Two purposes were proposed: to use the site for scaffolding storage and distribution, and to keep the existing electricity undertaker's depot.

The site is located behind the Churchfield reuse and recycling centre, a 30mph zone, between Churchfield Primary and Nursery School and Churchfield Recreation Playground.

According to the planning application, 24/00815/FULL2 on the Bromley Council website, there have been 252 objections, three redacted, from residents and MPs so far.

Objections include concerns about increased traffic congestion, greater safety risks for pedestrians - particularly children - and higher noise pollution.

Roi Perez, a parent who lives just minutes away from the nearby school, opposes the plans because he frequently uses the playpark next to the depot with his toddler.

He told the News Shopper: “The road and entrance to the site is heavily congested and puts children at risk.

“We’re very aware of the amount of traffic going in and out of the site area.

“During term time, there is an unbelievable amount of traffic there – buses go onto the kerb and huge bin lorries and heavy machinery go in and out of the site every day,” he claimed.

“Given the potential consequences for our community, we strongly urge that this matter be thoroughly reviewed, and that the application be rejected to preserve the wellbeing and safety of our neighbourhood.”

The waste site is in front of the former depot (Image: Roi Perez)

Luke Osborne, of Urban & Provincial/Masons Scaffolding, said the objections relate to the household recycling site, and the issue this creates for people in the area.

He explained: “We have read the vast majority of the objections and note that these comments, including Mr Perez’s, mainly relate to the ongoing use of the household recycling site and the issues this creates for local people.

“Operation of the scaffolding yard hasn’t commenced, and our application has nothing to do with the existing users of the adjoining sites.

“A transport statement and noise impact assessment accompany the planning submission, and we urge anyone interested in the application to read these carefully."

The application is retrospective after work started on March 1 this year, according to the application form, but final approval rests with Bromley Council.

Bromley Council has said it is “yet to determine” the retrospective planning application which relates to the privately owned land.

A spokesperson for Bromley Council said: “Whilst the formal consultation period is now closed, there has been around 250 objections from residents, which will be considered, along with the relevant planning policies before a decision is made.

“Whilst goods vehicles and commercial vehicles already generally use a separate entrance to the Reuse and Recycling Centre, it is true that any vehicle seeking to access the London Electricity Board Depot site will need to use the same access road that residents queuing to use the Centre also.”

Jeremy Adams, Labour councillor for The Clock House ward, said councillors are “backing residents” in their objections to these plans.

He told the News Shopper: “We object to sandwiching a scaffolding works between a school and a playground - it will only add to the flow of heavy vehicles that already exists because of the waste centre.

“We're also concerned developers have shown no interest in engaging the local community - or even shown awareness that the school and playground are nearby,” he added.

A spokesperson for Bromley Council has confirmed that the planning applicant has since also provided additional information in support of their applications.

A Bromley Council spokesperson added: “We will update those of who have already commented but interested residents are welcome to respond to this should they wish to, with comments able to be added online via our website.”