We all love our trees and how they enhance our public spaces. So it is sad when we lose any of the. Sadly several have either been brought down or badly damaged, as a result of Storm Eunice. A couple of examples are shown below.
Wild Cherry in Library GardensLarge tree in Church House Gardens
There was also damage to a large Cedar as well as a new tree sapling, in Church House Gardens. All these trees have been reported. Some will survive, if badly damaged. Hopefully the others will be replaced in due course by new ones. However it will inevitably take many years for them to again become mature specimens.
Opposition to the Churchill Quarter development is growing. Buildings will tower over the High Street and Library Gardens, casting a shadow over the latter and altering its peaceful character. We are pleased to be working with Bromley Civic Society, and others in campaigning against this proposed development.
See the before and after photos below to gain an impression of its impact – and how you can make your opinion known.
Following our leafletting campaign in September, it is clear that there is a groundswell of opposition to this development. Many people have written to us expressing their horror at this proposal.
Comments include:
● “That LBB are considering such a proposal is appalling and horrifying in the face of the past 4 years of HUGE opposition from the public, Historic England, residents’ groups, associations, councillors, etc.This vast, ugly and overwhelming development will brutalise the character of our beautiful and historic Town Centre.”
● “Has infrastructure been considered?
1…Oversubscribed doctors’ surgeries, 2…Oversubscribed schools. 3…Car parking 4…What effect of these vast buildings is it estimated to have on our Victorian sewerage and water systems? 5…Untold detrimental effect on wildlife.”
● “I will be able to see this from our house in Shortlands and it is worrying that it is being proposed again.”
● “This proposal directly flies in the face of the policy against ‘tall buildings’ which is supposed to inform planning in the town centre and be adhered to. The need is for lower rise development.”
● “I would strongly oppose any tower blocks being built as they are unsightly, why not construct buildings no taller than existing ones? Bromley High Street has retained its charm & the park offers peace & tranquillity without having any intrusive tower blocks overlooking it.”
● “Whilst [I] am in favour of modernisation and development done appropriately, I am afraid to say that the proposals fall far short of this. The significant reduction to the green spaces and creation of excessively tall buildings is something I cannot support. If this goes ahead it will only mean a worse quality of life for Bromley residents and a degradation of the existing area.”
● “The plans destroy the current entrance to Library Gardens.”
● “… entirely out of keeping with the historical character of this market town and its surroundings.”
● “All the features that single Bromley out as the fine and lovely market town that it is … would be permanently spoiled by the construction of monolithic tower blocks. The impact on and damage to the environment, the wildlife and the Conservation Area would be irreparable.”
● “There are neither the amenities nor the infrastructure to support a high-density population that would result from these tower blocks.”
● “How much would this development really contribute to affordable housing and meeting the housing need?”
● “The whole design of the development would take away the character of Bromley and Bromley would not be Bromley anymore.”
What can you do?
In advance of the opportunity to make formal objections to the planning application, you can voice your opposition by lodging your comments with Countryside Properties at:
Please attend later this week & have your say on this high density multi-storey building development in #Bromley town centre, right next to Library Gardens. Let us know your comments on these plans.
We remain opposed to this development, in its current form with up to 14 storeys (i.e. higher than Bromley Central Library), because of its impact on the adjacent public green spaces. To see more please go to our Library Gardens campaign page.
A member of the public has expressed to the Bromley Times concerns about the planting of Ricinus communis planting (see above), which they considered is poisonous. in Library Gardens.
Idverde, in partnership with the Council, have used this plant as a bedding plant for many years as indeed many organisations do across the country, including the RHS as we understand it. Councillor Smith’s quote below, to the Bromley Times, outlines more about how this plant is used in a Bromley context.
Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for Environment said, “This plant has been used in Bromley for many years and is used extensively as a decorative plant in many areas across the country, with the plant removed at the end of the season when the particular display is finished which is entirely normal and safe practice. If left in situ, in common with many other bedding plants, they could grow to a substantial size, which would make it unsuitable as a bedding plant but it could also be at that stage that the plant may produce seed and this is when there may be associated risk, long after the plant has been removed as a bedding plant.”
Please note details of public consultation event, over next few days, on proposed building development and its impacts on Library Gardens (aka Church House Gardens). Your chance to have your say!
A member of the public has expressed to the Bromley Times concerns about the planting of Ricinus communis planting (see above), which they considered is poisonous. in Library Gardens.
Friends of Bromley Town Parks & Gardens 