The London Borough of Bromley is poised for a year of significant change in 2026, with a series of major development projects set to reshape its skyline, housing stock, and community facilities. From contentious green belt housing schemes to a newly approved high-rise tower and multi-million-pound leisure centre refurbishments, the borough's landscape is undergoing a profound evolution.
Controversial Green Belt Housing Proposals
Two large-scale residential projects on protected green belt land are set to dominate planning debates. The most prominent is the 'Ravensbourne Place' project by developer Berkeley, which proposes 2,000 homes on land south of Bromley Football Club between Hayes Lane and the A21. Despite a petition against it garnering over 10,000 signatures, the developer cites the Government's grey belt policy as opening the site for development. Objectors highlight threats to horse grazing land, loss of green space, and pressure on local infrastructure.
Similarly, in Biggin Hill, Welbeck Strategic Land is advancing plans for 650 homes on over 120 acres of farm and woodland at Aperfield Green. The proposal, which includes a care home and community centre, has already seen over 1,100 local objections. Full planning applications for both schemes are yet to be submitted to Bromley Council.
High-Rise Transformation for Bromley Town Centre
The skyline of Bromley town centre is set for a permanent alteration after councillors narrowly approved a divisive plan for a 19-storey tower block. In a tight eight-to-seven vote in September 2025, the Development Control Committee gave the green light to the scheme at 1 Westmoreland Road, which will replace a vacant office building.
The development will comprise 138 homes across three buildings. The centrepiece will be a 19-storey tower with 107 build-to-rent apartments, accompanied by a six-storey block with 31 specialist homes for older residents and a three-storey building housing offices and a café.
Multi-Million Pound Leisure Investments
Residents can look forward to significant upgrades in leisure facilities. A new £22 million West Wickham Leisure Centre is progressing, with plans approved for a two-storey facility featuring a 25m pool, gym, studio, café, and soft play. The council aims for a 2028 opening.
More imminently, the refurbished Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2026. This £17m transformation will deliver a new competition-length pool and upgraded spaces.
Other Key Projects in the Pipeline
Bromley Civic Centre: Developer Galliard, which purchased the site for £13.5m, saw initial plans for 128 flats refused due to issues with natural light and waste storage. The firm is expected to revise its proposals, which include sensitively converting the historic Bromley Palace into apartments.
Mickelham Road Affordable Homes: Bromley Council has approved plans to demolish a former care home in St Paul's Cray and build 68 affordable apartments. Construction on this project is slated to begin in 2026.
Priory Gardens Archive: A proposed £3.9m museum archive within the Grade II listed Priory Gardens in Orpington has faced public opposition, with a petition of over 2,600 signatures criticising the potential impact on the historic gardens.
Farwig Lane Industrial Yard: Despite resident concerns over HGV movements, plans to redevelop a disused yard for 24/7 industrial use were approved in June 2025, with work expected to complete by September 2026.
The coming year will be pivotal for Bromley, as these projects move from the planning stage into reality, bringing a mix of new homes, facilities, and inevitable controversy to the borough.
