The planning application for this academy was received by LB Bromley in early July, but was published only in mid September. The application is for two buildings of two to three storeys to provide an eight form entry plus 6th form school (up to 1,680 pupils) and sports hall, playing fields, Multi Use Games Area and car parking spaces, cycle parking spaces, floodlighting, new pedestrian and vehicular accesses, servicing and storage.
The residents living right next to this development are understandably very alarmed at the prospect of over 1600 students passing down Balmoral Avenue four times a day, as well as sports facilities and floodlights. They have welcomed the fact that Balmoral Avenue is one of four sites in LB Bromley’s Local Plan review recommended for removal of the designation as suitable for educational use.
There seems to have been problems with LB Bromley’s mailing of consultation letters to residents. The consultation letter dated 16 September had not been received by residents in Balmoral Avenue on 26 September – half way through the supposed 21 days allowed to make representations. There are 57 documents associated with this application, so even the full 21 days is hardly adequate! The letters have been re-issued and the deadline for responses is now 17 October.
LB Bromley has deferred a decision on permission for Eden Park High School’s temporary site at the Ravensbourne School. This could delay the whole process for the proposed new school at Balmoral Avenue. There is considerable doubt as to whether this new large school is needed in the Borough. It might well be that the school children would come from neighbouring Boroughs rather than Beckenham.
Balmoral Residents have a petition against the school. Click to link.