Bexley Council's Planning Committee has approved new operating hours for a martial arts studio in Sidcup, located at 168 Blackfen Road. The decision, made at a meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2026, allows the studio to open earlier on weekdays and weekends.
The new hours permit a 7:30 am opening on weekdays, an increase from the previous 9:00 am start. On Saturdays and Sundays, the studio can now open at 8:00 am, an earlier start than the previous 9:00 am and 12:00 pm respectively. The closing time remains at 9:00 pm on weekdays and 3:00 pm on weekends. The previous consented opening hours were from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays, and 9:00 am to 1:30 pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The applicant stated that the proposed variation in opening hours is required to allow the operator and users of the studio sufficient time to perform additional duties, such as cleaning, and to allow for one-to-one training sessions for pre-work members during the week. It also allows the operator additional time to finish training and close the property after training sessions have concluded at the weekend.
The application to vary the opening hours was made under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The studio's previous planning permission, granted in November 2019, restricted its operating hours.
During the committee meeting, concerns were raised by Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE regarding potential noise and parking issues. However, planning officers noted that the use of the premises is restricted to a martial arts studio and that amplified music is prohibited. Strengthened conditions were added to the approval to ensure compliance.
Specifically, condition 3 was updated to reference the new use class, restricting the building's use solely as a martial arts studio under Class ED, and prohibiting its use for parties, hire, weddings, or other purposes. Condition 6 prohibits the playing of amplified, recorded, or live music within the development at all times.
Neighbouring residents had also expressed concerns about noise and the venue being advertised for uses beyond martial arts. Planning Enforcement officers confirmed that the use is restricted to a martial arts studio and that amplified music is prohibited. The committee added strengthened conditions to ensure compliance.
Previous incidents had led to the restrictions. Planning Enforcement officers confirmed that there was one incident in 2025 reported to the enforcement team, which was dealt with after speaking with the applicant and a resident. Another incident in May 2026 was raised with the Environmental Health team. Both incidents were largely related to the playing of amplified music and the use of the premises for uses beyond its permitted martial arts studio function.
The meeting information indicates that Planning Enforcement officers and the Environmental Health team have previously dealt with incidents and complaints. Officers have reminded the applicant of the restrictive conditions, and they are aware of them and have stated they will amend their signage. The strengthened conditions, such as the prohibition of amplified music, are in place to ensure compliance.
More information on the committee's decisions can be found in the Decisions 23rd Jul 2026 Planning Committee document. The full agenda and reports pack is available here.
