Plans for a £3.9 million museum archive building in a cherished Orpington park have ignited a fierce debate, with opponents branding the scheme "a disgusting example of cultural vandalism" while the council defends it as essential for safeguarding local history.
Council's Heritage Vision vs. Public Outcry
Bromley Council seeks to replace its outdated museum and art store in Priory Gardens with a new, purpose-built facility. The council argues the current store, over 40 years old, is not fit for modern archival standards and that the new build would ensure the borough's historical records are preserved for future generations.
However, the proposal to place the archive within the Grade II listed public park has provoked significant local opposition. A petition to halt the project has gathered more than 2,600 signatures, and the planning application had attracted 83 formal objections by December 16.
A Battle Over Policy and Open Space
Leading the campaign against the development is the Protect Priory Gardens group. Spokesperson Caroline Jeffrey contends the park is one of Orpington's most important historic and ecological landscapes. "We are asking for a fair, transparent and evidence-based decision," she said.
Objectors argue the plan contravenes Policy 55 of Bromley's Local Plan, which states replacement buildings in Urban Open Space must not exceed the site coverage of the existing development. The new archive would have a larger footprint than the current depot buildings.
"Policy 55 is clear: you replace like-for-like," Ms Jeffrey stated. "You cannot expand a protected site by re-labelling open ground as 'building coverage'. We simply want the council to follow its own rules."
The council's planning documents address this, stating the development need only meet one of Policy 55's three requirements to comply. They argue that as a continuation of archival use on the site, it meets the first requirement and is therefore appropriate.
Feasibility, Benefits, and Last Chance to Comment
The council has dismissed suggestions to site the archive elsewhere, such as at the Bromley Civic Centre. A spokesperson explained that earlier considerations found this option unfeasible due to the significant costs of adapting the building to meet strict archival standards.
They stated the Priory Gardens depot site is the only viable option for council taxpayers, involving replacing an underused store with a purpose-built facility. The proposed building is designed to be lower and set further back than existing structures to be "less imposing" on the historic gardens.
While not open for daily public access, the archive would be available by appointment and during special events like the Open House Festival. The council believes it offers public benefit through long-term savings on storage and improved access for researchers.
Public consultation on the application, reference 25/05351/FPA, is underway. The final day for Bromley residents to submit representations is Friday, December 19. The application can be viewed on Bromley Council's planning portal.
