Chislehurst residents have been granted planning permission for a significant rear extension and terrace at Hill Court, Manor Park. The decision was made by Bromley Council's Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The approved plans include a lower ground floor rear extension, which will have a maximum depth of 6.3m and a minimum depth of 3.2m, extending an additional 3.2m beyond the existing rearmost wall of the basement/lower ground area. Above this extension, an extended rear terrace is proposed, complete with a side privacy screen and glass balustrade. Two sets of steps will lead down from the terrace into the garden.
The proposal was deemed to be of an appropriate scale and design, preserving the character of the host dwelling and the Chislehurst Conservation Area. The extension will be rendered to match the host dwelling, incorporating modern glazing at lower ground level and a glass balustrade around the terrace, which the council assessed as respecting the character and appearance of the host dwelling and surrounding development.
While neighbours raised objections concerning loss of privacy, removal of vegetation, and drainage issues, the council's assessment concluded that the proposed privacy screen, combined with existing boundary planting, adequately mitigated overlooking concerns. Neighbours had expressed concerns that the terrace could be used as a 'large entertaining space'. However, the council noted that while elevated, the terrace is uncovered and its use would be similar to that of a patio or garden, thus not considered to cause significant loss of amenity in terms of noise or disturbance.
Concerns were also raised regarding drainage, with one neighbour noting the area's high water table. The council's drainage engineer found the proposed extension of the existing MUGA Court by providing Type 3 aggregate to store surface water run-off to be acceptable in principle, subject to the implementation of submitted surface water drainage details, which can be managed by a planning condition. Structural matters would be covered by separate legislation.
Regarding vegetation removal, neighbours noted that significant screening in the form of trees had already been removed. The council acknowledged that trees on the site are protected due to the Chislehurst Conservation Area designation, and any future works would require separate consideration. The Bromley Biodiversity Partnership Sub-group raised concerns about the introduction of artificial surfacing in Metropolitan Open Land, leading to the loss of grassland habitat. The council's assessment indicated that the proposal would avoid the loss of trees and vegetation, with opportunities for additional planting. These matters, along with a detailed landscape and ecological management plan, can be managed by planning condition.
To ensure compliance, a condition was recommended for 'Details of the means of privacy screening' for the rear extension and terrace. The council also delegated authority to the Assistant Director: Planning and Building Control to make variations to conditions and add any other necessary planning conditions.
The property's location within the Chislehurst Conservation Area was a key consideration, with the proposal assessed as preserving and enhancing its character. The full details of the council's decision can be found in the Decisions Thursday 10-Sep-2026 19.00 Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 document.