Last minute delay to plans to destroy cupola bell tower on Community House

We found out on Thursday 2nd May that the new owners planned to remove the cupola bell tower above Community House in South Street, central Bromley. A skip arrived on site on Friday 3rd May and we were told destruction was due to take place on Saturday 4th May. The new owners said it was being removed on safety grounds. However, the destruction has been delayed, while different parties take urgent steps to see if the tower can be protected.

Community House - previously the old Magistrates Court -  forms part of the cluster of former Civic Buildings in South Street and Widmore Road and is a distinctive feature in this part of Bromley Town. We feel that it would be a real loss to the town if Community House was to be damaged in this way. Community House was sold by Bromley Council in December 2023 to Deco Design & Build, which is part of North Star Group.

As soon as we found out about the threat to the tower we worked closely with the primary tenants of Community House, the Bromley Voluntary Sector Trust (BVST), Bromley Council's Planning and Enforcement team and the Bromley Civic Society on this matter. We are glad to report that the destruction did not take place. A skip remains in place at the front of Community House, and scaffolding remains in place around the building and tower, the owners of the building have told us they will apply for a Legal Development Certificate before they proceed with the removal of the tower.

Separately, Bromley Council's Planning and Enforcement team has now served a Building Preservation Notice which is displayed on the front of Community House. 

We'll be continuing to work closely with the various interested parties over the next few days to see what steps can be taken to protect the cupola. If you have concerns about this development or would like to be kept up to date please email us at info@bromleylibdems.org.uk.

Photo of cupola by Bromley Civic Society