The planning application, submitted by developer Lands Improvement Holdings Ltd to Bromley Council in November, outlined plans to build the homes on farmland on the edge of St Mary Cray.
Developers say that the proposals are in response to a “critical housing need’ in Bromley, with plans to offer a mix of one to four-bedroom properties, with 175 of them (50 per cent) being ‘affordable’, according to a cover letter submitted by planning agent Nexus Planning.
But 569 objections have been submitted to Bromley Council, along with a public demonstration which took place on the land.
Protesters outlined concerns against the development and the proposed reclassification of the site from green belt to grey belt, meaning it could be considered suitable for development under revised national guidance.
Local resident and campaigner Peitra Napier said: “This land is prime agricultural land that feeds us, supports protected species and provides much-needed space for health and wellbeing.”
Alongside the building of up to 350 homes, the plans also involve adding a public open space and a community or healthcare building, as well as new roads and walking and cycling routes and other related infrastructure works.
The 17-hectare site, south of Crockenhill Road, is made up of three arable fields with access by public footpath, and is located between a residential area and open countryside.
Planning documents submitted stated that the application “demonstrates that the site comprises grey belt land” and that the proposals amount to “appropriate development” under national planning policy.
A key issue highlighted by objectors is the proposed loss of green belt land, which they say plays an important role in preventing urban sprawl and provides accessible open countryside for local communities.
Residents have also raised concerns about the loss of actively farmed land and the potential environmental impact of development.
Other objections focus on traffic and road safety, with fears that surrounding rural roads, including Crockenhill Road, lack the capacity to cope with additional vehicles.
Concerns have also been raised about flood risk, given the site’s proximity to the River Cray and the area’s history of flooding, and a potential strain on local services such as schools and GP surgeries.
The developer, however, says the scheme would help address housing need and includes measures to mitigate its impact, including public open space and sustainable drainage.
Further to the objections, a peaceful demonstration was staged earlier this month, with residents gathering on the public footpath crossing the site to air their concerns.
Participants held a continuous green ribbon stating they were “drawing the line” on the proposed build.
Conservative councillor Shaun Slator, of St Mary Cray ward on Bromley Council, said: “This field is green belt and has been enjoyed by local residents for generations.
“The people of St Mary Cray are clear – no building on our green belt.
“I stand with the people and will fight to preserve our precious green belt.”
Labour councillor Chris Price for St Paul’s Cray ward, added: “I am very concerned about the developments coming forward from developers to build on our local green belt.
“The site in St Mary Cray in the neighbouring ward to St Paul’s Cray has restricted access through a network of small roads, it is farmland and in recent years has been used for food supply.
“I have not yet seen a good reason to develop on this site.”
A spokesperson for Lands Improvement said the plans aim to deliver new family homes in St Mary Cray while respecting the local area and meeting housing needs.
They added that the scheme had been shaped by more than a year of engagement with the council and local community and that further consultation will take place.
A spokesperson for Lands Improvement said: “The development is designed to respect the character of the local area, meet growing housing need, and support the council’s plans for investment in the Cray Valley Renewal Area.
“The proposals will support improvements to St Mary Cray Recreation Ground along with provisions for a new community facility.
“It will protect rights of way on the site, as well as create new walking and cycling routes into the town centre, and we have made the case for an extended bus service.
“The focus of the development is to deliver traditional family houses, half being affordable homes.
“These plans have been informed by over 12 months of regular engagement with the local authority and community to ensure that they respond to their priorities.
“The council will now carry out a further consultation on the application, and we look forward to continued dialogue with them.”
