Proposal for 2,000 new homes on Hayes Farm

Multiple people have got in touch about the proposal to build 2,000 homes on Hayes Farm and the land around Norman Park. Here’s what we know so far.

The developers hope to submit the planning application in 2026

In 2026, property developers Berkeley Homes hope to submit a planning application to create a new neighbourhood, called Ravensbourne Place. The plan is for 2,000 new homes on land which partially surrounds Norman Park, Bromley Town Cricket Club, Bromley FC and the Sports Centre.

Berkeley Homes say: “This is about opening up land that is largely currently closed off, creating new riverside parkland and walking routes, and designing a place where families can put down roots, neighbours can meet, and wildlife can thrive.”

They continue, “The Government’s recent “Grey Belt” policy now allows sites like Ravensbourne Place – which no longer fully serve the Green Belt purposes and are well connected to local services – to be considered for sensitive, sustainable development. This approach can help deliver much-needed homes, including 50% affordable housing, while respecting the area’s character and environment.”

Grey Belt land does not receive planning permission automatically

The rules which help to assess Green Belt land to identify Grey Belt land are vague. Broadly speaking, it must be previously developed land and/or any other land that plays a minimal role in:

preventing urban sprawl
stopping neighbouring towns from merging
preserving the character of historic settlements

There are also 5 ‘Golden Rules’ of Green Belt development, most of which expand on the first rule: “New residents and the wider public should be able to access good quality green spaces which are safe; visually stimulating and attractive; well-designed; sustainably managed and maintained; and seek to meet the needs of the communities which they serve.”

From the photos Berkeley have chosen for their website, it seems that they believe this land is not currently well maintained or publicly accessible Green Belt land, and that they will do better.

But even if this is identified as Grey Belt land, that doesn’t mean Berkeley will receive planning permission automatically. The planning authorities will need to assess things like:

whether there will be enough access to schools, healthcare, public transport and local amenities
whether this will enhance social infrastructure without disrupting existing neighbourhoods
how they will mitigate additional traffic, flood risk or ecological impact
how they will provide access to green spaces

There is a public exhibition where you can see the plans and share your views

There is a website which outlines the proposals. There will also be public exhibition, to which everyone is invited:

Tuesday 18 November, 2pm to 7.30pm
In the Ravens Lounge at Bromley FC, Hayes Lane, BR2 9EF

You will be able to see the plans, talk to the project team, ask any questions you may have and provide feedback. If you are interested but unable to attend, they have said that the display material will also be available on their website from 18 November. If you have feedback, their website includes their contact details. The first round of consultation will close on Sunday 7 December.

There are two petitions against the proposed development

As with most things, the more you know, the easier it is to make an informed decision. If you have strong feelings about the proposal, we encourage you to go to the public exhibition if you are able to. Do ask questions and give your feedback.

If you are against the proposal and would like to share your views and connect with others, there are also two petitions against it:

The councillors encourage you to engage with the consultation process

In a statement on Facebook on 30 October, our councillors said:

“This morning, Councillor Josh Coldspring-White and Cllr Thomas Turrell AM met with representatives from Berkeley Homes, who we can confirm are proposing to build on the Hayes Farm site.

There are no designs at this stage, but Berkeley will shortly begin their public engagement in coming days with a leaflet to residents and a public meeting on 18th November.

Our precious green spaces are a defining characteristic of our Borough and this was stressed in the meeting. We await more detailed proposals from Berkeley.

We strongly encourage residents to engage in the consultation process, and want to assure residents that we will do all we can to make sure their views are heard by the relevant organisations involved.”