Lidl has submitted a planning application to build a new supermarket and 60 flats on the site of a former gasworks in Bromley, despite the ground being contaminated with asbestos, cyanide, and heavy metals. The German discount chain plans to construct two four-storey blocks of flats on the western part of the site, where the ground is not heavily contaminated, and a new store across from the existing Tesco Superstore on Homesdale Road.
Contamination and History
The development site, which previously housed a gas holder, has been vacant since a major fire in October 2018. Travis Perkins, the former owner, sold the land to Lidl three years ago. In 2019, Travis Perkins proposed building six houses and a builders yard, but Bromley Council refused permission in 2021 due to the low housing numbers and concerns about contamination.
At the time, councillors were advised by the council's Health and Safety officers that the site might not be developable at all. Ground investigators Soiltechnics, commissioned by Travis Perkins in 2019, concluded: "Substantial contamination is present on site including asbestos, TPHs, BTEX, PAHs, VOCs, ammonium, cyanide and heavy metals."
Proposed Development
Lidl's plans include two four-storey blocks with a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, providing 62 parking spaces for the 60 homes. A new vehicular entrance for the homes would be created from Liddon Road. The supermarket is expected to create up to 40 jobs and would include a 93-space car park, part of which would be built over one of the gasworks' areas of high contamination.
Next Steps
The full planning application is available on Bromley Council's planning portal under reference 26/02764/FPA. The council will review the application, considering the contamination issues and the proposed mitigation measures.
