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www.northcrayresidents.org.uk

7 August 2016
Ms Germaine Asabere,
Development Control,
Bexley London Borough
Civic Offices
2 Watling Street
Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT

Dear Ms. Asabere
Letter of Objection

Ref 16/01466/FUL 48 Parsonage Lane: conversion of existing dwelling and outbuildings,
reconstruction of existing barn to provide special day school

This Application is the most inappropriate and potentially damaging application we have seen and
we cannot understand why it was not summarily refused. Failing that, why was it not given an
FULM designation, signifying its importance, and why was the notification letter to local residents
so deliberately ‘low-key’ as if to suggest there was just a minor change to the use of the property – a
question raised by a number of our members?

The Application fails at every level in that it breaches NPPF Green Belt regulations, would trigger
the destruction of Bexley’s Green Belt, is totally inappropriate for the location, meets no local
requirement and can claim no ‘special circumstances’. In addition it would have a devastating effect
on local residents, the community and users of the locality. It would also cause traffic and parking
chaos and continuous damage to property. Moreover, the Application documents are deliberately
understated, simplistic and inaccurate – no doubt to obscure the true scale of the business venture.

The reasons for our objection to this Application, and there are many, are fully detailed in the main
body of this letter. However, for immediate clarity we have prefaced this with a summary of the key
issues which just in themselves should cause this Application to be summarily refused.

• The property, 48 Parsonage Lane, is a residential dwelling in a high position centrally within
Green Belt/Heritage Land and has been so for over 50 years. It is not a ‘brownfield’ site.

• Change of use of this site to a high-impact commercial venture breaches NPPF Green Belt
Guidance and would create a dangerous precedent for other sites along Parsonage Lane and the
surrounding area – including other residential plots.

• The school will have a devastating effect on local residents, particularly those in Parsonage Lane
but also those in Cocksure Lane, Bunkers Hill and Gattons Way who will suffer significant
increases in traffic flows, noise pollution and, potentially, their property values decreasing as this
quiet semi-rural idyll is destroyed.

• There are no existing out-buildings that can realistically be used for school premises so
everything will be ‘new builds’ – again breaching NPPF Green Belt Guidelines. Moreover, the
amount of premises required is ridiculously understated.

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