Since the May 2026 elections there has been a rush of applications or news about applications for developers who want to build on the green belt land across the Bromley Borough.

As Bromley is one of London’s largest and leafiest boroughs, it is an attractive prospect for developers, especially with our transport links to central London, good schools and established communities. Developers argue that there is justification for building on the green belt - who some want to see reclassified as “grey belt” - given the shortage of housing in Bromley and in London in general. We alll know of people who are struggling to stay within reach of friends and families who already live here but can't afford the cost of properties. And there are nearly 2,000 people waiting for housing who are in temporary housing, often housed outside the borough while waiting for homes to become available. 

However, while we agree that building affordable housing must be a priority, we do not think this justifies the attacks on our green belt land. Our green belt is precious - it protects air quality by keeping large areas of vegetation that absorb pollution; it helps maintain cooler streets during heatwaves by reducing the urban heat‑island effect; and it prevents urban sprawl, keeping towns and cities from merging into one continuous mass. Green Belt land also provides wildlife habitats, flood‑mitigation benefits, and accessible natural space for residents’ wellbeing. Crucially, once these landscapes are built over, they cannot realistically be restored — meaning future generations permanently lose the environmental, social, and climate resilience they provide. 

The current proposed developments were are concerned about are:

Hayes Farm - a proposal to build 2,200 homes on land around Hayes Farm - this article gives you information about the application as well as how to object (or support, if you prefer).

Derry Downs - a proposal to build 350 homes across agricultural fields at Derry Downs has now been referred to the Mayor of London. Bromley Council told the developers that they would refuse the application before it even came to a planning committee so the decision will now be made by the London Mayor.

Chalkpit Avenue - a planning application to develop up to 130 homes on green belt land off Chalkpit Avenue in St Paul's Cray has been filed by developers Richborough - it is on the Bromley Planning Portal under reference 26/01326/OUT. A decision is theoretically due in August but it has not appeared on the agenda for August's planning committee so we assume it has been delayed.

Data Centre at Charmwood - the proposal is to build a two storey data centre at land south of Sevenoaks Road, Charmwood. The site would be approximately 10 hectares incorporating open agricultural fields located in the green belt. Read our article about this application including information on how to object if you want to.