A new planning application to build eight homes at 51 and 53 The Grove in Biggin Hill, Bromley, proposes keeping the site's slow worms in a designated on-site grassland area, after surveys found only nine individuals. The proposal, submitted by new site owner Paul Bruckner, is the third attempt to demolish two vacant bungalows and construct eight three-storey homes on the land.
Previous refusals over protected species
The first application, submitted in 2021, was refused by Bromley Council planners due to insufficient information on biodiversity impacts, particularly concerning bats and dormice. A second application in 2023 included an Ecological Impact Assessment that identified bats in the bungalows and a population of at least 23 slow worms in the gardens.
Because slow worms are a protected species, the previous applicant offered to relocate them to Fort Horsted in Chatham, Kent, 21 miles away. However, Bromley planners rejected the mitigation measures, writing: “The impacts on protected species are all capable of being adequately mitigated for, but the proffered mitigation measures are insufficiently detailed and no confidence can be drawn from them.” An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate over non-determination also failed, as the inspector agreed the Fort Horsted site's suitability was not properly established.
New surveys and on-site retention plan
After purchasing the site, Mr Bruckner commissioned ecological expert Neil Coombs to conduct a new appraisal. Six reptile surveys between August and October 2025 identified a maximum of nine slow worms at any one time, and three bat emergence surveys found no bats. Coombs recommended keeping the worms on-site rather than relocating them, citing the lower numbers and “the possibility of an unsuccessful off-site relocation”.
The new plans are similar to previous designs, with all eight homes having four bedrooms, private rear outdoor space, and two parking spaces. However, planning documents do not specify the exact location of the proposed grassland habitat for the slow worms.
Next steps for the application
The full application, reference 26/03310/FPA, is available on Bromley Council’s planning portal. The design is by Harry Bailey Architectural Designs, and the outcome will be determined by the council in due course.
