By Cameron Blackshaw

Villagers are up in arms about plans to build 650 homes on more than 120 acres of green belt land.

Developer Welbeck Strategic Land wants to construct a large residential neighbourhood that includes a care home, a community centre and public green space in Biggin Hill.

The proposals were revealed after the firm asked Bromley Council how much information it should provide in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) if it were to submit a full planning application.

This scoping opinion request contains some information about Welbeck’s plans, but it is far less detailed than a full application.

The proposed development would see up to 650 homes, along with other amenities, built on a patch of land known as Aperfield Green, south east of Biggin Hill by the A233.

The corresponding entry on Bromley Council’s planning portal has received more than 660 objections since it was validated on October 17. It has only received six letters of support.

Many opposed to the development do not want the green belt land built on or disturbed.

One objector wrote: “I feel this is a jewel in Biggin Hill’s crown. This area is so important to the incredible wildlife and to the people who use the footpaths and bridleways and enjoy the mental well-being that the beauty of the countryside brings.

“Once this has gone, it is lost forever.”

The Aperfield Green Belt Action Group, which was formed in 2001 to protect the green belt from “inappropriate development” after an unsuccessful application by Linden Homes to build on the land, has also objected to the proposal.

The group stated: “This is a treasured area of green belt, full of wildlife… where local residents enjoy all the benefits of the green environment vital to their wellbeing.”

Many fear that the ancient woodlands of Pimlico Wood and Withins Wood within the development site would be at risk of destruction. However, planning documents state that both these areas would be “retained and protected”.

Welbeck is suggesting it would connect the two patches of woodland with new planting to “enhance biodiversity, to assist ecological restoration and to create interconnected, ecological green corridors that will provide a suitable, strong new defensible green belt boundary”.

Documents also state that any habitat features that support protected or notable species, such as bat roosts or badger setts, “will be protected wherever possible”.

However, Welbeck does admit that the proposed development would have a “likely significant effect” on habitats and animals on the site.

Objectors also fear that the development and the resulting influx of new residents would put pressure on local infrastructure, in particular schools, doctors’ surgeries and dentists.

One wrote: “Biggin Hill already experiences pressure on local healthcare, school places, and public transport. The proposed scale of development — particularly including a care home — will intensify demand on services that are already stretched.”

A Section 106 (S106) agreement between Welbeck and Bromley Council would be made if full planning permission were approved, which would bring money into the authority to fund local infrastructure.

Another major concern objectors have is more cars on Biggin Hill’s rural roads.

One said: “The traffic in and out of Biggin Hill is already heavy at peak times, and due to limited public transport links (and public transport in general being very unreliable), many residents need to rely on their cars.

“I moved to this area to get away from excess traffic and because I wanted to live in a village, an area with low population density, surrounded by beautiful fields and wildlife, where I can walk my dog and look after my mental health.

“By adding another 650 houses, you will destroy this beautiful area of peace, tranquillity and wildlife and significantly increase the traffic.”

Welbeck plans to provide two vehicular access points to the homes, both of which will be on the A233.

The developer will also create multiple pedestrian and cycle paths across the site that will enable active travel and “ensure connectivity to both the rural countryside and Biggin Hill”.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Bromley Council will provide its EIA scoping opinion to Welbeck by November 14, and a full planning application is expected to be submitted sometime in the future.