Nearly 2,000 Bromley residents have submitted comments on Berkeley Homes' plan to build 2,200 homes on green belt land between Bromley and Hayes, with the vast majority lodging objections. The Ravensbourne Place project, which includes 50% affordable housing, has drawn sharp reactions from locals, who describe it as 'evil' and an 'awful culture destroying project,' while supporters argue the housing is desperately needed.
Objectors voice strong opposition
One objector who has lived in Hayes for over 35 years said they felt 'completely overwhelmed and physically sick' when they first heard about the proposal. Another described the scheme as an 'awful culture destroying project,' while others said it would make local people's lives 'even more of a misery.' One objector simply wrote: 'Do not do this. You know it's wrong.'
A Bromley resident living adjacent to the development site called Ravensbourne Place 'a horrendous and evil destruction of our Bromley Borough prime green belt land' and announced their intention to 'take Berkeley to court and sue for a colossal sum of money' if the homes get approved.
Environmental and infrastructure concerns
Opponents focus on the loss of green belt and strain on infrastructure. One objector said: 'The Hayes Farm site is an oasis for both resident and migratory wildlife. Red kites, buzzards, badgers, foxes, owls and large flocks of migratory geese are regular visitors to the site. It is scandalous that such an historic and environmentally important area is being considered for redevelopment when there are still many brownfield development sites sitting unused within the borough.'
Another resident added: 'There is a serious lack of green spaces for leisure and relaxation. The concreting over of green belt land will contribute to the impact of climate change. We are on our third heatwave this summer and climate scientists state this is the new normal.'
Traffic congestion is a key worry. An objector wrote: 'Hayes Lane is exactly that: just a lane, which struggles to cope with the volume of traffic it sees on a daily basis. When Bromley FC is playing it is virtually impossible to drive down there! How is it expected to cope with this inevitable surge of additional car users?'
Supporters welcome affordable homes
Despite the overwhelming opposition, around 80 residents have expressed support. One wrote: 'Me and my family have lived in Bromley for over 6 years. Currently still renting, but looking forward to this development. We love the borough and would love to buy a property in Bromley. This opportunity could help us to stay local and afford a mortgage.'
Another supporter said: 'Housing supply in Bromley is desperately needed. People in their 20s to 40s are struggling to stay in the borough due to a lack of affordable homes. It is essential that the scheme retains the promise of 50% affordable homes—including affordable rent, social rent, share ownership—as well as private sale.'
Berkeley Homes lodged the full planning application with Bromley Council in early June. The public consultation period has now closed, and the council will make a decision on the project in the coming months.
