Bromley Council has deferred a decision on a petition regarding the Spitfire Centre at Church Road, Biggin Hill, citing financial pressures as a key factor in considering the disposal of the site. The council says it can no longer afford to retain buildings not directly delivering council services.
The petition, presented to the council on Monday, protested the proposed closure and disposal of the site, advocating for it to remain open as a Community Hub. Mr Chris Hennis, representing the Spitfire Community Group, addressed the council in support of the petition.
The council was presented with the option to recommend action by the Executive or relevant Portfolio Holder, or to note the petition and take no further action. Ultimately, the decision was deferred for a later date.
The petition, received on 12 May 2025, contained 2,427 signatures, with 2,004 verified as residents, workers, or students within the borough. A response was sent to the petitioners on 28 May 2025, explaining that Youth Centre services would relocate to the Biggin Hill Children and Family Centre. The council aims to ensure community needs are met by moving the Youth Centre services to the Biggin Hill Children and Family Centre. The Petition Report stated that the Spitfire Community Group could bid to purchase the site on the open market.
The council has a duty to achieve best value for the site, which it says can only be properly assessed by going to the open market. The council may consider a long lease (over 125 years on Full Repairing and Insuring basis, which it says is effectively the same as a sale) but is likely to favour a disposal. The Spitfire Community Group can offer any amount to purchase the site, even £1, and the offer will be considered alongside others received.