40 Flats Approved by the London Borough of Bexley in Erith
Planning permission secured for 40 residential flats in Erith, Kent, overcoming London Borough of Bexley's community use retention policy and protected trees constraints.
PLANNING APPROVALSBEXLEYLONDON
Andrew Ransome
6/7/20261 min read
In 2013, helped secure planning permission for a 40-flat residential scheme in Erith.
The London Borough of Bexley granted planning permission for the 40-flat scheme on a redundant town centre site in Erith, Kent. The project was undertaken in partnership with BHD Architects and required overcoming a combination of policy and site-specific constraints.
The existing building had operated as a social club since 1908 before closing in 2010 and falling vacant.
Local planning policy sought to retain community uses of this kind, and the site also contained protected trees — both factors that required careful handling within the planning statement.
Rather than seeking to dismiss these constraints, the approach was to acknowledge them whilst presenting a clear and compelling case for the benefits of the proposed residential development.
These included the productive reuse of a long-redundant urban site, the provision of affordable housing, improved natural surveillance, enhancement of the built environment, and the efficient, sustainable use of a town centre location — all objectives central to the NPPF's goal of significantly boosting housing supply.
The London Borough of Bexley was persuaded by this case and agreed to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Planning Application Advice
If you are working with a challenging brownfield or town centre site, or have a project in London, get in touch to explore the options available to you.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
Planning Successes in London
Planning Application Information
Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
© 2026. All rights reserved.