A public inquiry will determine whether 350 homes can be built on green belt land in St Mary Cray, Orpington, after developer Lands Improvement Holdings appealed against Bromley Council's refusal. The council had announced its intention to reject the application in June 2026, before it reached the planning committee, citing the need to protect green belt land.
Appeal lodged after council refusal
Lands Improvement Holdings submitted the planning application in November 2025 for three agricultural fields east of St Mary Cray Recreation Ground, between Crockenhill Road and Cockmannings Road. The proposal includes 40 one-bedroom apartments, 27 two-bedroom flats, 56 two-bedroom houses, 157 three-bedroom homes, and 70 homes with four or more bedrooms. Half of the 350 units would be classified as affordable housing.
Over 1,000 residents lodged objections on Bromley Council's planning portal, with most opposing development on the green belt. On June 5, 2026, the council issued a resolution to refuse planning permission. The developer subsequently appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, as the council had not determined the application within the statutory timeframe.
Developer defends proposal
A spokesperson for Lands Improvement Holdings said: “We have exercised our right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in accordance with the established planning process. We remain committed to working constructively with all stakeholders. We believe the proposals represent an important opportunity to help meet local housing needs, including the delivery of affordable family homes, alongside wider regeneration benefits for the Cray Valley Renewal Area.”
The developer emphasised that the scheme would provide much-needed housing and contribute to the regeneration of the area.
Council vows to fight appeal
Cllr Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, stated: “We have already indicated our opposition to this completely inappropriate development on the borough’s cherished green belt, standing beside many local residents who have also clearly voiced their opposition, including through comments made as part of the planning process. We will be contesting the appeal by seeking the rejection of this application by the Planning Inspectorate, which is part of our continued fight to protect green belt land across the borough from unsuitable development.”
Public inquiry details
The public inquiry is scheduled for January 19, 2027. Residents and other interested parties can submit comments on the appeal until August 18, 2026, by referencing case number 6011063 on the Government website. The outcome will have significant implications for green belt protection and housing delivery in the borough.
