Planning in Bexley

Providing and protecting social and community infrastructure

Providing 1. Proposals for new social and community infrastructure (as set out in Table 10 above) or for the enhancement or expansion of existing infrastructure will generally be supported, particularly the provision of health, physical activity, leisure, education and children and young people's facilities. In all cases, proposals should be: a. sustainably located, ideally close to the local community the facility is intended to serve, or within areas of good access to public transport, such as Town Centres, particularly where the proposal is likely to generate a significant volume of traffic; b. easily accessible to all by a range of sustainable travel modes, including walking, cycling and public transport; c. of an appropriate character, size and scale to meet the needs of the community; and, d. designed to be as flexible, adaptable and capable of multi-use as possible. 2. Proposals for education (including early years) facilities and places of worship should provide a Travel Plan to assess any traffic issues and ways to resolve these as a result of the development 3. Proposals for new or expanded Education facilities should be designed to reflect the school commissioning plan. 4. Proposals need to demonstrate that they are supported by the relevant service provider. 5. The creation of use class F.2(a) small walk-to convenience shops (that do not exceed 280m2 gross in total) should be provided in new larger residential developments where there is no convenience shop within 1,000 metres walking distance to the site. Protecting 6. The Council will not permit the loss of existing social and community infrastructure types included in Table 10 or defined on the Policies Map as Education Land, except where: a. it can be demonstrated that there is no current or future need for the existing premises or land for any appropriate community use (or specifically for educational use where the land is designated as Education Land) and that it no longer can serve the needs of the community; or b. alternative community facilities for the specific end user that meet current or future needs are provided within the relevant area; or, c. it has been assessed in line with part 6.a. or part 6.b. as part of an agreed strategy or programme of estate management, which includes changes to the service delivery model. 7. Changes of use from individual use class F.2(a) convenience shops will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that an alternative convenience shop is available within reasonable walking distance from the existing unit.

Health impact assessments

1. The following types of development are required to complete and submit a desktop health impact assessment checklist as part of the planning application: a. major developments; and, b. development proposals that contain any of the following uses: i. hot-food takeaways; ii. betting shops; iii. education facilities; iv. health facilities; v. leisure or community facilities; and, vi. publicly accessible open space. 2. Development proposals of a scale referable to the Greater London Authority are required to have a completed detailed health impact assessment, submitted as part of the planning application. The assessment will be expected to include details of engagement undertaken with local health and community stakeholders and how their input has influenced the proposals.

Social and community services and facilities

1. The Council will ensure the identification, development, completion, safeguarding and monitoring of services, facilities and open spaces of the types set out in Table 10 that are required to support housing and employment growth in the borough so as to make a positive contribution to creating strong, cohesive and sustainable communities. This will be achieved through: a. addressing the needs of existing and future residents, of all ages and abilities, by ensuring the protection and improvement of existing services, facilities and open space and the creation of new services, facilities and open spaces where they are needed, in accessible locations if possible, including Town Centres, with good transport connectivity; b. working with partners such as the Mayor of London, Crossrail Limited, utility companies, developers, registered social housing providers, the NHS, voluntary sector, other Council departments and/or adjacent boroughs to develop, integrate, implement and monitor relevant social and community projects and programmes, particularly in the borough's identified Sustainable Development Locations; and, c. ensuring developers contribute to the reasonable costs of new, expanded and/or improved services, facilities and open spaces made necessary by their development proposals through the use of planning obligations where appropriate and/or the community infrastructure levy.

Achieving high-quality design

Irrespective of location, all development proposals for new buildings, extensions and alterations, conversions, changes of use and public and private spaces will be expected to follow the principles and requirements set out in this document and to: Character a. ensure that the layout, height, scale and massing, façade treatment, and materials are complimentary to the surrounding area contribute positively to the street scene Landscaping b. provide a high standard of landscaping design, appropriate to the proposal and with regard to the character of the surrounding area Privacy, outlook and adverse impacts c. ensure that appropriate levels of privacy, outlook, natural daylight and other forms of amenity are provided d. ensure existing properties' amenity is appropriately protected e. ensure that all proposed development and uses do not unacceptably affect residents or occupiers of either the proposed development or of existing neighbouring residents, businesses and community facilities by means of noise, odour, vibration and light spill or other disturbances Quality of residential accommodation f. provide sufficient useable on-site external amenity space (communal, semi-private and private) and appropriate play spaces for children, relative to the proposed scale of development g. meet appropriate internal accommodation standards Crime h. apply the principles of designing out crime whilst maintaining an attractive, connected environment Advertisements i. ensure that new advertisements do not detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding area and do not have an adverse effect on public safety

Tall buildings and building heights

Borough-wide building heights 1. The proposed heights for buildings should reflect other design and policy requirements, including the requirement to have regard to the existing or emerging character and context of the area. 2. Subject to part 1 above, the maximum height of buildings shall not normally be more than: a. 45 metres within and near the town centres of Abbey Wood Village and Lower Belvedere, as set out in Part 5 of this policy; b. 25 metres within the borough's identified Sustainable Development Locations, Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL), and the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood London Plan Opportunity Area not covered by Part 2a of this policy; and, c. 15 metres across the rest of the borough. 3. For development proposals that include buildings taller than 15 metres, applicants must submit design appraisals with alternative options to demonstrate whether similar densities can be achieved using more traditional and human-scaled typologies including terraced housing, maisonettes, and courtyard apartments. Tall buildings 4. Tall buildings in Bexley are considered to be more than 25 metres in height and must comply with the tall buildings policy in the London Plan. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate that: a. there is sufficient access to public transport; b. there is access to local services and facilities, depending on the number and type of residents expected; c. the proposal will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on local character, including heritage assets; d. the design considers topography; e. the proposal will not create unacceptable adverse environmental impacts, including flood risk, creation of a wind tunnel, loss or lack of daylight and sunlight; f. the design is of high architectural quality; and g. the proposal will integrate into its surroundings at all levels, particularly at street level and into the skyline. 5. Suitable Locations for Tall Buildings are within and near the town centres of Abbey Wood Village (defined in Figure 5) and Lower Belvedere (defined in Figure 6).

Protecting local views

1. Development proposals with the potential to impact a Local Protected View must meet the following criteria: a. Development in the foreground and middle ground of a protected view should not be overly intrusive, unsightly or prominent to the detriment of the view; b. Development in the background of a protected view should give context to landmarks and not harm the composition of the view as a whole; and, c. Any existing or proposed viewing places within the development should be accessible and managed so that they enhance people's experience of the protected view. 2. Development proposals that will have a significant adverse impact on the aesthetic and character of a Local Protected View will be resisted. 3. Development proposals should consider whether the proposal has the potential to impact on a non-designated view. Non-designated views should be identified through the Development Management process. A proposal with the potential to impact on a non-designated view must demonstrate that the proposal will not have an adverse impact on that view. 4. Development proposals that are within London's Protected Vistas must meet the requirements of Part F of London Plan policy HC4.

Achieving high-quality design

1. Development proposals within a Primarily Residential Area, as defined on the Policies Map, must seek to protect or enhance the area's character and its amenities. Proposals for uses other than those residential in nature, will only be acceptable where they provide community, social or leisure facilities, or employment uses compatible with a residential area. 2. Irrespective of location, all development proposals for new buildings, extensions and alterations, conversions, changes of use and public and private spaces will be expected to follow the principles and requirements set out in this document and to: Character a. ensure that the layout, height, scale and massing, façade treatment, and materials are complimentary to the surrounding area contribute positively to the street scene Landscaping b. provide a high standard of landscaping design, appropriate to the proposal and with regard to the character of the surrounding area Privacy, outlook and adverse impacts c. ensure that appropriate levels of privacy, outlook, natural daylight and other forms of amenity are provided d. ensure existing properties' amenity is appropriately protected e. ensure that all proposed development and uses do not unacceptably affect residents or occupiers of either the proposed development or of existing neighbouring residents, businesses and community facilities by means of noise, odour, vibration and light spill or other disturbances Quality of residential accommodation f. provide sufficient useable on-site external amenity space (communal, semi-private and private) and appropriate play spaces for children, relative to the proposed scale of development g. meet appropriate internal accommodation standards Crime h. apply the principles of designing out crime whilst maintaining an attractive, connected environment

Placemaking through good design

1. The Council will continue to expect high quality standards of design in Bexley. Design should respect the existing character and context but need not be constrained by what already exists; local character evolves over time. The Council will seek to ensure that: a. all development within the borough is of high-quality design, contributes positively to the local environment, and protects the best elements of Bexley's character; b. design enhances social cohesion and health and wellbeing and considers the principles of inclusive and active design, in order to support good physical and mental health; and, c. design considers the relationships between building and spaces, including its contribution to and shaping of the public realm. 2. The Council will masterplan future development, where appropriate, to ensure it achieves the objectives of sustainable development and proposals for developments in these areas will need to demonstrate that they will fit satisfactorily into the masterplan. 3. In locations suitable for large developments, proposals that are piecemeal in nature will normally be resisted unless the proposal demonstrates that it will fit satisfactorily into a larger development.

Appropriate uses within designated industrial areas

1. Two types of industrial land are designated in the borough: a. Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL); and b. Locally Significant Industrial Sites (LSIS). 2. In designated Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL) and Locally Significant Industrial Sites (LSIS), as identified on the Policies Map, the following use classes for industrial type activities and related functions, including ancillary facilities, will be permitted and safeguarded: a. Class B2 and B8 b. Class E(g)(ii) and E(g)(iii), where the permitted function cannot change to any other E use class 3. Proposals for sui generis industrial uses will usually be permitted in designated industrial areas, provided that the use does not impede the effective operation of other nearby businesses. Sui generis uses that can have a detrimental effect on amenity, such as waste facilities or disposal installations, are not considered an appropriate use within LSIS, which is often located adjacent to residential areas. 4. In designated industrial locations, development proposals should where possible seek to intensify, renew and modernise business uses, including the assembly of land to achieve this. 5. Development proposals should not result in a net loss of existing industrial floor space for Class E(g)(ii), E(g)(iii), B2 and B8 uses in all designated industrial locations. Co-location with non-industrial uses will be considered on LSIS provided the principle of no net loss of existing industrial floor space is achieved. 6. Non-designated industrial sites should be assessed in line with criteria set out in London Plan policies, particularly E4 and E7 7. The SIL at Crossness Sewage Treatment Works is safeguarded for its strategic utilities infrastructure use and its operational land identified on the Policies Map. 8. In the Foots Cray Business Area, development proposals for existing E(g)(i) offices will only be permitted to change use to other suitable business uses (where not covered by permitted development rights). Non-conforming uses 9. Extensions, alterations, intensification or any other form of development for existing non-industrial uses on designated industrial land will not be supported. Temporary uses 10. The Council will support the temporary occupation of empty buildings and cleared sites by temporary uses for a period that should not normally exceed three years, where they contribute to regeneration; enhance the character and vitality of the area; and, where they do not harm the operation of the remainder of the estate.

Employment growth, innovation and enterprise

1. Bexley will continue to play a key role in contributing to London's economic growth and prosperity. The Council will support the economic growth of at least 10,800 (net) new jobs over the plan period, of which approximately 1,900 to 2,700 of these will be located within Bexley's designated industrial locations. The Council will assist in developing a strong and sustainable local economy by embedding circular economy principles, so as to contribute to the resilience of London and the regeneration of the Thames Gateway. The Council will work with partners to secure investment that supports the local economy. 2. The Council will promote sustained economic development and employment growth by supporting development proposals that broaden the mix of business uses and diversify the local employment offer, particularly in bringing higher quality and more knowledge based jobs to the borough, both within town centres such as Bexleyheath, and designated industrial locations, and through the designation of Sidcup as a Creative Enterprise Zone. Proposals for economic development should, where possible: a. intensify land-uses to optimise the use of land, particularly on those sites identified in Table 5 in order to provide the additional 147,200m2 to 195,400m2 of industrial floor space needed for the new jobs identified in part 1 of this policy; b. increase employment densities; c. provide higher employment densities in well-connected locations; d. enable businesses to share facilities and equipment where practical, for example goods lifts, loading bays and ancillary facilities; e. make smaller units available as part of larger developments to support small and medium businesses; f. improve the quality of employment areas and town centres, including the public realm, to make them more suitable and attractive locations for modern businesses; and, g. apply circular economy design principles for building approaches. 3. Designated Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL) and Locally Significant Industrial Sites (LSIS) will be protected for industrial type activities and related functions, including ancillary facilities, specific to their designation in the hierarchy, as set out in Policy DP7 Appropriate uses within designated industrial areas. These designations are defined on the Policies Map. 4. The Council aims to ensure that residents of all abilities are provided with opportunities to access training and a variety of local jobs and enable local businesses to draw upon a wide range of skilled workers and employment premises. Key to this will be a better integrated and enhanced public transport network connecting Bexley's housing and employment locations. The Council will achieve these aims by: a. reducing residents' need to travel long distances by supporting the creation of a diverse local economy that offers a wide range of well-connected local job opportunities, particularly in Bexley's designated industrial locations, town centres, neighbourhood centres and other places of employment including education and healthcare; b. improving the local skills base, especially by ensuring that education and training facilities, are available to residents, and by supporting the development of place and making initiatives in the borough; c. encouraging businesses and developers, through planning obligations, to use locally sourced labour and where viable, to provide apprenticeships and on-the-job training for residents seeking to improve their skills; d. supporting the provision of workplace crèches at or near places of training and employment; and, e. facilitating growth of the visitor economy and creative industries to support local business, particularly by promoting the borough's historic, cultural, recreational and environmental assets.

Mitigating climate change

Energy reduction in new buildings 1. Major development proposals must meet London Plan requirements and calculate whole life-cycle carbon emissions through a nationally recognised Whole Life-Cycle Carbon Assessment and demonstrate actions taken to reduce life-cycle carbon emissions. 2. Minor development proposals should aim to achieve net zero carbon; reducing greenhouse gas emissions in operation and minimising annual and peak energy demand in accordance with the London Plan energy hierarchy. Sustainable design standards for all development 3. The Council expects that, where possible: a. new homes be designed to achieve: i. BREEAM Home Quality Mark (HQM), or ii. BREEAM Communities standards (for major housing-led mixed-use development), or iii. Passivhaus, or iv. other appropriate sustainability measures. b. residential conversions, refurbishment, extensions and changes of use should be designed to achieve BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Excellent or other appropriate sustainability measure. c. new non-residential development, refurbishment of existing buildings, and conversions, over 500m2 floor space (gross) must meet or exceed BREEAM 'excellent' rating; and d. minor non-residential development achieves a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating. Water efficiency 4. Development must be designed to be water efficient and reduce water consumption. Residential development must not exceed a maximum water use of 105 litres per head per day (excluding the allowance of up to 5 litres for external water consumption). Refurbishments and other non-domestic development will be expected to meet BREEAM water-efficiency credits.

Energy infrastructure

1. Developments within heat network priority areas should be designed to facilitate cost-effective connections to the existing or proposed network in accordance with the London Plan. 2. In designated heat network priority areas, proposals for the development of decentralised energy network infrastructure and related apparatus, including the use of low carbon technology, will be supported. 3. Proposals for major developments that produce heat and/or energy should consider how they can contribute to the supply heat in a designated heat network priority area or demonstrate that this is not technically feasible or economically viable.

Mitigating and adapting to climate change

1. The Council will actively pursue the delivery of sustainable development by: a. supporting developments that achieve zero-carbon and demonstrate a commitment to drive down greenhouse gas emissions to net zero; b. administering the borough's carbon offset fund, ring-fencing payments to implement projects that deliver greenhouse gas reductions; c. investigating opportunities for the funding and development of decentralised energy networks in the borough; and, supporting the provision of infrastructure, including safeguarding routes and land for such use, where necessary; d. supporting new and enhanced green infrastructure, including greening of development sites such as living roofs, and the contribution green infrastructure can make to managing flood risk and surface water, and to the mitigation of the urban heat island effect; e. supporting integrated water management (IWM) through a coordinated and holistic approach to land and water management, including managing water storage, supply, wastewater, flood risk, quality of watercourses and water bodies and the wider environment; f. applying the recommendations of Bexley's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, and Integrated Water Management Strategy; g. directing new development into the most sustainable locations by applying the flood risk sequential test across the borough and the exception test to the site allocations in this Local Plan; h. following the sequential approach to flood risk management advocated in national planning policy and its associated practice guidance; i. working with the Environment Agency and others to ensure the recommendations of the TE2100 Plan are implemented in new and existing developments, to keep communities safe from flooding in a changing climate and improving the local environment; and, j. supporting the protection of key infrastructure assets from the risks of flooding.

Publicly accessible open space

Maximising access to existing open space 1. In order to maximise access to existing publicly accessible open space, new developments will be required to: a. provide new or improved access to adjacent or nearby publicly accessible open space, where appropriate; b. not block or hinder existing public access, unless suitable alternative access is provided; and c. promote publicly accessible open spaces as multi-functional spaces that cater for a range of activities, lifestyles, ages and needs. Provision of new open space or new access to existing open space 2. New open space provided as part of a development or existing open space that a new development can provide new or enhanced access to, should be inclusive and highly accessible to residents of the development and surrounding areas.

Waterfront development and development including, or close to, flood defences

1. All development proposals adjacent to rivers and other watercourses such as lakes, ditches and dikes will be required, where appropriate, to: a. activate space to and along the waterfront; b. maintain existing public access to and along the water and/or provide new access to and along the water where none exists; c. create residential moorings and visitor moorings to accommodate suitable vessels; d. enhance the appearance and quality of the water space including: i. de-culverting watercourses and naturalising the river channel; ii. using green infrastructure to improve water quality where possible; iii. improving nature conservation value for wildlife; iv. improving visual connections with important features, considering the design and landscaping of the adjacent area; and v. preserving the openness and character of the water spaces. e. provide suitable setbacks from water space edges to mitigate flood risks, protect and enhance biodiversity, and to allow waterside walkways and cycle paths; f. improve river walls and embankments, taking into account sea level rise, and/or fluvial, ground water and surface water flood risks; g. promote safety along the water's edge, including the provision of riparian lifesaving equipment; and, h. avoid the loss of water spaces. 2. Development proposals should not adversely affect: a. the integrity of the waterway or watercourse structure; b. the quality of the water; c. levels of pollution due to unauthorised discharges and run off or encroachment; d. the landscape, heritage, ecological quality or habitat continuity and character of the waterways; e. the waterway's potential for being fully unlocked; or f. the use of the waterway network.

The River Thames and the Thames Policy Area

1. The Thames Policy Area is defined on the Policies Map. 2. Development proposals for riverside sites should investigate the potential for full or part realigned flood defences prior to commencement of site planning, and are required to: a. follow the strategies for water management set out in the TE2100 Plan and subsequent updates; b. enhance the relationship between the development site and the Thames; and, c. contribute to the completion of the Thames Path, a continuous public riverside footpath and cycleway, including safeguarding existing or providing new access points to the riverside path. 3. The Council encourages improving the efficiency and promoting the sustainability of waterborne freight movements, including waste transfer and aggregates handling, on the Thames. Viable wharves are safeguarded for such uses through a Direction by the Secretary of State. 4. Proposals in the Thames Policy Area should pay attention to their impacts on the ecology of the River Thames, and on its priority habitats and protected species. Ecological enhancements will be sought from all proposals; development directly adjacent to the River should look to enhance essential fish habitats and reduce the risk of invasive species. 5. The Council will encourage improved access to nature across the Thames Policy Area. Opportunities should be sought to link proposed and existing wildlife corridors, including the Ridgeway Link, Thames Marshes corridor, Thamesmead Link and the River Thames itself, and integrating these networks with pedestrian and cycle paths where appropriate. 6. Habitat creation and enhancement will be promoted. Opportunities should also be sought for related enhancements to visitor's centres and other facilities. Habitat creation along the Thames should aim to improve the area's flood resilience and water management.

Biodiversity and geodiversity in developments

Protection for biodiversity 1. Development proposals will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a. a strict approach to the mitigation hierarchy has been taken (i.e. avoid, mitigate, compensate and net gain) and all unavoidable impacts on biodiversity can be justified; b. completion of the development will result in a measurable long-term net gain for biodiversity, as demonstrated through the application of an acceptable method of measurement, and/or impact assessments; c. biodiversity enhancement measures and where appropriate mitigation measures have been incorporated within the design, layout and materials used in the built structure and landscaping; d. opportunities to help connect and improve the wider ecological networks, wildlife corridors and stepping stones for wildlife have been taken by creating linkages through the development site; e. deficiencies in access to nature conservation are reduced, where possible; and, f. opportunities to increase wildlife aesthetic value and visual connections with important features have been considered. Protection of designated sites and habitats 2. Development proposals that would have a direct or indirect impact on a site designated for its nature conservation or geological interest should protect and enhance the designated site's value, and will not be permitted unless all of the following criteria are met: a. there are no reasonable, less damaging, alternative solutions, locations or sites; b. ecological buffer zones have been incorporated into the scheme, where appropriate, to protect and enhance the designated site's intrinsic value; c. the continuity of wildlife habitat within wildlife corridors is maintained; and, d. access to the designated site is not compromised and where possible, access and/or interpretation is improved. Protection of Ancient Woodland and veteran trees 3. Irreplaceable habitats, including Ancient Woodland and aged or veteran trees found outside of Ancient Woodland will be protected from loss or deterioration resulting from development. Where development proposals may affect irreplaceable habitats and their immediate surroundings, the following principles of good practice shall be used to guide the site assessment and design of development: a. establishment of the likelihood and type of any impacts; b. implementation of appropriate and adequate mitigation, compensation, and management measures that respect the features and characteristics of the veteran trees and/or Ancient Woodland; c. provision of adequate buffers; and d. provisi

New waste management facilities and extensions and alterations to existing facilities

1. Development proposals for new waste management facilities, or for extensions and alterations to existing facilities, must demonstrate that they will contribute to the Council's strategic approach of moving waste up the waste hierarchy (see Figure 14) and that the type of facility proposed is needed in the local area in line with the proximity principle and the self-sufficiency principle. 2. Designated Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL) are appropriate locations for new waste management facilities; however consideration will be given to adjacent businesses within SIL and nearby land uses such as for residential or nature conservation, using the Agent of Change principle. A sequential approach to locating new waste facilities should be applied and locations chosen only where there are no significant adverse impacts and a preference given to parts of SIL that have the least detrimental impact on other businesses or land uses. 3. Development proposals will be assessed using locally specific criteria, having regard to the requirements of UK legislation, the Government's policies on waste and the Mayor's London Plan, including impacts of the proposal on the local environment and residential amenity. 4. All new waste facilities with the potential to have a negative impact on amenity of surrounding areas should be fully enclosed on all sides and have a roof and fast-acting doors or provide equivalent environmental protection. 5. Proposals for new facilities, extensions and alterations should be well designed and contribute positively to local character.

Waste management in new development

1. All proposals for major development (defined in the Glossary) should promote circular economy outcomes and aim to be net zero-waste. Applications should include a circular economy statement in accordance with London Plan policy SI 7 the London Plan. 2. Residential development proposals that provide additional housing, including conversions, should ensure that: Flatted development a. there is adequate space within each flat/apartment for the temporary storage of waste generated by that flat/apartment allowing for the separate storage of recyclable materials; b. there is adequate communal storage for waste, including separate recyclables, pending its collection; c. storage and collection systems (e.g. dedicated rooms, storage areas and chutes or underground waste collection systems) for waste are of high-quality design and are incorporated in a manner which will ensure there is adequate and convenient access for all residents and waste collection operatives and will contribute to the achievement of London Plan waste management targets; d. measures are incorporated to manage, to acceptable levels, impacts on amenity including those that may be caused by odour, noise, and dust; e. the on-site treatment of waste has been considered and any system to be incorporated will take into account the factors listed above and other relevant Development Plan policies; and f. adequate contingency measures are in place to manage any mechanical breakdowns; Other residential development g. there is adequate space within each residential property for the temporary storage of waste generated by that residence allowing for the separate storage of recyclable materials; and h. there is adequate external storage space for waste, including separate recyclables, pending its collection. 3. Proposals for new development should be accompanied by a recycling and waste management strategy that considers the above matters and demonstrates the ability of the new development, once occupied, to meet local authority waste management recycling targets.

Minerals and aggregates

1. Land designated as Aggregates Sites and Facilities on the Policies Map will be safeguarded for its existing use for transportation, distribution, processing and/or production of aggregates and minerals, unless it can be demonstrated the use is no longer required or economically viable. 2. All development proposals should consider how the re-use and recycling of construction, demolition and excavation waste materials can be maximised on-site or, if this is not possible, within London. 3. All minerals exploration and extraction proposals will be expected to demonstrate that: a. there will not be an unacceptable adverse impact on the natural, built and historic environment, on public health and safety, and the amenity and quality of life of nearby communities and suitable measures and controls will be put in place to mitigate any adverse impacts; and b. there are satisfactory proposals for the restoration and aftercare of the site in order to ensure an appropriate and beneficial re-use; including recreational, leisure and other related uses that have a wider public benefit. 4. Restoration proposals should improve the environment, with particular regard to the quality of soil, water, biodiversity and geodiversity, as well as flood risk, land stability and landscape character. Non-minerals development 5. Planning permission will not be granted for non-mineral development that would lead to the unnecessary sterilisation of mineral resources within a Minerals Safeguarding Area, as defined on the Policies Map, unless: a. The applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the MPA that the mineral concerned is not of economic value; or b. The mineral can be extracted to the satisfaction of the MPA without unacceptable community and environmental impacts prior to the development taking place; or c. The development is exempt because it consists of: i. alteration/extensions to existing buildings; ii. householder applications; iii. change of use; iv. prior notifications; or v. advertisements.

Contaminated land and development and storage of hazardous substances

1. Where development is proposed on contaminated land or potentially contaminated land, a desktop study and site investigation, including appropriate proposals for remediation will need to be carried out where required. 2. Development proposals for hazardous installations and development proposals within the relevant consultation zones for existing hazardous installations must consult with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Water quality, supply and treatment

Water quality 1. Development proposals should not adversely affect the quality or quantity of water in watercourses or groundwater. New development will be required to protect and/or enhance the water quality of existing water resources, such as watercourses and groundwater. Water supply and wastewater/sewage infrastructure 2. Where appropriate, planning permission for developments which result in the need for off-site upgrades, will be subject to conditions or obligations to ensure the occupation is aligned with the delivery of necessary infrastructure upgrades. 3. The Council will seek to ensure that there is adequate water and wastewater infrastructure to serve all new developments. Developers are encouraged to contact the water/wastewater company as early as possible to discuss their development proposals and intended delivery programme to assist with identifying any potential water and wastewater network reinforcement requirements. Where there is a capacity constraint the Council will, where appropriate, apply phasing conditions to any approval to ensure that any necessary infrastructure upgrades are delivered ahead of the occupation of the relevant phase of development. 4. All development proposals must provide on-site treatment or a connection to the sewerage system at the nearest point of adequate capacity, as advised by the service provider, and should consider future access to the existing sewerage systems for maintenance and upsizing purposes. Development within the vicinity of Crossness Sewage Treatment Works 5. When considering sensitive development, such as residential uses, close to the Sewage Treatment Works, a technical assessment should be undertaken in consultation with Thames Water. The technical assessment should confirm that: a. there is no adverse amenity impact on future occupiers of the proposed development or; b. the development can be conditioned and mitigated to ensure that any potential for adverse amenity impact is avoided.

Flood risk management

Planning for flood risk 1. In areas at risk of flooding, as identified in the Bexley Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), development proposals must: a. be within a Sustainable Development Location, designated industrial location or the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area if the site is within Flood Zones 2 and 3a, except for householder development above defined flood levels, and the development type is acceptable within the flood zone, as only these locations have passed the Local Plan sequential test; b. apply the exception test, where required, to sites within Flood Zones 2 and 3a that have met the requirements of part 1a; c. comply with the guidance and recommendations set out in the Bexley SFRA Level 1 and Level 2; d. apply the sequential approach advocated in the NPPF to all sources of flooding, not just tidal and fluvial; e. be used as an opportunity to reduce the causes and impact of flooding; f. make as much use as possible of natural flood management techniques as part of an integrated approach to flood risk management); and, g. provide floodplain storage capacity as close to the development as possible, where the proposed development will reduce this capacity. Tidal and fluvial flooding 2. Habitable rooms in residential development within the fluvial flood zones, should be set 300mm above the predicted 1 in 100 year plus climate change peak flood water level, and within the tidal flood zones, should be set at the predicted 1 in 200 year annual probability. 3. Development in areas designated as Functional Floodplain (as identified in the SFRA Level 1 and the Policies Map) will not be permitted outside of water-compatible development, as defined in the NPPF. 4. All proposals for development in Flood Zones 2 and 3, and all proposals on sites of 0.25 hectares or larger regardless of what flood zone the site is in, must include a site-specific flood risk assessment (FRA), including a drainage impact assessment. 5. New developments in riverside locations are required to help reduce flood risk now and into the future. 6. Development proposals located within 100 metres of the Thames tidal flood defences should demonstrate consideration of and act on the recommendations of the TE2100 Plan and be designed in such a way as to easily facilitate the raising and re-engineering of the tidal flood defences. 7. Basements will not be permitted in Flood Zones 2 or 3 Surface water, groundwater and sewer flooding 8. Development must not increase flood risk on-site or off-site, and exceedance flows must be considered and appropriately managed. 9. All basement developments should include, within their proposal, protection to the property by installing, for example, a non-return valve or other suitable device to avoid the risk of backflow at a later date, on the assumption that the sewerage network may surcharge to ground level during storm conditions Safe refuge, access and egress in, to and from development 10. New developments below the predicted flood water level should include a detailed evacuation plan that clearly outlines how people can easily leave to safety or move upwards from the lower floors to safety. 11. Site design in floodplains must facilitate safe escape, access and egress. Only in exceptional circumstances where this cannot be demonstrated should the emergency plan be to reside in situ and escape upwards in a building. 12. All development that is intended to be occupied below the predicted flood water level must provide internal safe refuge above the design flood level

Sustainable drainage systems

1. All development proposals, whether increasing or decreasing the impermeable area of the site, will be required to manage surface water through sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in line with all national, regional and local policies and related guidance, in order to minimise flood risk, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity and amenity. 2. In addition, all development proposals will be required to demonstrate that: a. the drainage for the site achieves greenfield runoff rates for flood events up to and including 1 in 100 years plus 40% climate change; b. surface water run-off has been reduced by sustainably managing run-off on site; c. permeable paving has been used for hardstanding areas (e.g. car parks); d. the nature of water flow (both surface water and groundwater) across a steeply sloping site has been considered in order to provide suitable SuDS; and, e. water reuse mechanisms have been included for either indoor or outdoor purposes. 3. Development proposals on sites of 0.25 hectares or greater require a drainage strategy, which must be accompanied by a suitable maintenance management plan.

Biodiversity and geodiversity in developments

Protection of designated sites and habitats 2. Development proposals that would have a direct or indirect impact on a site designated for its nature conservation or geological interest should protect and enhance the designated site's value, and will not be permitted unless all of the following criteria are met: a. there are no reasonable, less damaging, alternative solutions, locations or sites; b. ecological buffer zones have been incorporated into the scheme, where appropriate, to protect and enhance the designated site's intrinsic value; c. the continuity of wildlife habitat within wildlife corridors is maintained; and, d. access to the designated site is not compromised and where possible, access and/or interpretation is improved. Protection of Ancient Woodland and veteran trees 3. Irreplaceable habitats, including Ancient Woodland and aged or veteran trees found outside of Ancient Woodland will be protected from loss or deterioration resulting from development. Where development proposals may affect irreplaceable habitats and their immediate surroundings, the following principles of good practice shall be used to guide the site assessment and design of development: a. establishment of the likelihood and type of any impacts; b. implementation of appropriate and adequate mitigation, compensation, and management measures that respect the features and characteristics of the veteran trees and/or Ancient Woodland; c. provision of adequate buffers; and d. provision of adequate evidence to support development proposals.

Greening of development sites

1. Development proposals should set out what measures have been taken to achieve urban greening onsite; and all new major developments should quantify what urban greening factor (UGF) score has been achieved. 2. Development proposals will be required to provide a high standard of landscape design, having regard to the well-being, water, wildlife and character of the surrounding area, ensuring sustainable planting for the long term and be supported by appropriate management and maintenance measures. 3. There will be a presumption in favour of the retention and enhancement of existing trees, woodland and hedgerow cover on site; and planning permission will not normally be permitted where the proposal adversely affects important trees, woodlands, or hedgerows. 4. Development proposals should maximise potential for the planting of new native trees and hedges within the development site and new streets should be tree-lined, unless, in specific cases, there are clear, justifiable and compelling reasons why this would be inappropriate. 5. Planting and landscaping within developments and ecological buffer zones: a. will be required to contribute to habitats and features of landscape and nature conservation importance; and, b. must not include 'potentially invasive, non-native species' and, where found on a site, appropriate measures to remove these species must be taken as part of the redevelopment.

Green infrastructure including designated Green Belt

Not included - no operative policy numbered requirements provided in passage. The passage contains policy implementation guidance (paragraphs 5.64-5.75) but not the formal operative wording of Policy SP8.

Sustainable waste management

1. In new development, the Council will ensure that waste is managed in ways that protect human health and the environment and will follow the principles of the circular economy by applying the waste hierarchy (see Figure 14). Where opportunities arise, this principle will also be applied to existing development, for example for flats above shops where it can be challenging to segregate waste. 2. The Council will support sustainable waste management by: a. implementing the waste hierarchy in its approach to future waste management; b. meeting its waste apportionments and other requirements, such as the Mayor's recycling or composting targets, including collaborating with and supporting other London boroughs as appropriate; c. safeguarding Strategic Waste Management Sites for waste uses as shown on the Policies Map; d. supporting regionally significant waste management infrastructure, including the Crossness Sewage Treatment Works; and, e. considering the use of planning contributions, including from the borough's community infrastructure levy, to provide better waste management for existing development. 3. The Council will support the development of the circular economy by encouraging the waste and construction industries to: a. make resource use more efficient; b. reduce the production of waste; c. maximise the recycling of waste; and d. identify alternative business models.

Green infrastructure including designated Green Belt

The Council's commitments to creating a multifunctional network 1. Bexley's green infrastructure, including open spaces and waterways will be protected, enhanced, restored and promoted as valuable resources to provide a healthy integrated network for the benefit of nature, people and the economy. Future development must support the delivery of a high-quality, well-connected and sustainable network of open spaces. In particular, this will be achieved by: a. protecting Metropolitan Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land from inappropriate development; b. encouraging beneficial use of Metropolitan Green Belt such as opportunities for public access, outdoor sports and recreation, retaining and enhancing landscapes, visual amenity, biodiversity or to improve damaged and derelict land; c. protecting Urban Open Space, only allowing development where the public benefit of the development clearly outweighs any harm; d. resisting harmful development of gardens and other amenity green spaces; e. keeping under review existing Allotments and encouraging provision of space for community gardening, including for food growing, within new developments; f. working in partnership, seeking funding and supporting projects to promote the restoration and enhancement of open spaces, public realm and the waterway network within the borough; g. agreeing proposals for creating or improving habitat, implementing priorities for the recovery of nature outlined in the relevant local nature recovery strategies, borough strategies or studies on open space, green and blue infrastructure, including where appropriate, rivers and waterways restoration; h. supporting the role waterways can play as tools in place making and place shaping, contributing to the creation of sustainable communities; i. protecting land that forms part of the Southeast London Green Chain as an important environmental, recreational and educational resource, including the Green Chain Walk, seeking to improve public access to and through the area, and promoting it as a recreational resource and visual amenity; j. supporting the creation of new cycling and walking routes to connect publicly accessible open spaces to main destination points, such as Town Centres, public transport hubs, community facilities, and other publicly accessible open spaces; k. ensuring all new developments deliver a net increase to green infrastructure; l. seeking opportunities in new development, where appropriate, to provide new open space, play space and/or public realm, either through direct provision of new open space or improvement of existing open space through planning obligations; m. protecting new, or existing, amenity space that has been provided as part of a development, including incidental green spaces that add amenity value; n. protecting and enhancing the biodiversity, heritage and archaeological values of open spaces, including the Thames, Cray and Shuttle rivers and their tributaries within the borough; o. using water spaces for transport, cultural, recreational and leisure activities and other water-related uses where appropriate; p. providing opportunities within waterside development for river and waterway restoration and the protection and enhancement of biodiversity; q. protecting green wildlife and ecological corridors, seeking opportunities to increase connectivity between the network of green spaces and habitats to enhance biodiversity and promote accessibility wherever appropriate; and, r. seeking opportunities to support the functions and drivers for green infrastructure, such as using good urban design to reduce air pollution, integrating green infrastructure into development where there are opportunities to mitigate poor air quality on a local scale.

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geological assets

1. In its planning decisions, planning policies and action plans, the Council will protect and enhance the borough's biodiversity and geodiversity assets, in line with national and regional policy, by: a. ensuring development in Bexley does not adversely affect the integrity of any designated European site of nature conservation importance; b. recognising the value of landforms, landscapes, geological processes and soils as contributors to the geodiversity of the borough by protecting designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and Regionally Important Geological sites (RIGs) and Locally Important Geological sites (LIGs) and supporting their sustainable conservation and management; c. establishing clear goals for the management of identified geological sites, in order to promote public access, appreciation and interpretation of geodiversity; d. protecting, conserving, restoring, and enhancing ecological networks, Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Local Nature Reserves, Strategic Green Wildlife Corridors and local wildlife corridors, thus securing measurable net gains for biodiversity, recognising and promoting those sites where ecological value has increased to a higher grade of nature conservation importance; e. resisting development that will have a significant adverse impact on the population or conservation status of protected or priority species as identified by legislation or in biodiversity action plans prepared at national, regional or local level; f. protecting and enhancing the natural environment, seeking biodiversity enhancements, net gains for biodiversity and improved access to nature, particularly in areas of deficiency as illustrated by Figure 8, through new development and projects that help deliver opportunities for green infrastructure with preference given to enhancements that help to deliver the targets for habitats and species set out in the London Plan and local biodiversity action plans and strategies; g. enabling environmental education opportunities at the borough's schools, and investigating opportunities to involve the wider community in biodiversity or geodiversity restoration and enhancement through projects; h. ensuring landscaping schemes in development proposals use native plant species of local provenance; and, i. seeking opportunities to provide for greening of the built environment.

Development affecting a heritage asset

Impact on asset or setting 1. Development proposals with the potential to directly or indirectly impact on a heritage asset or its setting should meet NPPF requirements to describe the significance of the asset and demonstrate how the proposal conserves or enhances the significance of the asset. 2. Development proposals on sites with existing heritage assets, particularly listed or locally listed buildings, should incorporate those assets. Outline applications will not generally be acceptable for developments that include heritage assets. Change of use 3. Any development proposal to alter or change the use of a heritage asset will need to conserve or enhance that asset; proposals must demonstrate how the change will support the building's preservation and future maintenance. Development proposals should restore, re-use and incorporate heritage assets, wherever possible. Proposals must demonstrate that the new use would not adversely affect the fabric of the building. Demolition 4. There is a general presumption against any proposal for development that demolishes a heritage asset in part or whole, including locally listed buildings. 5. Proposals to demolish buildings within Conservation Areas will be considered with regards to the NPPF approach to determining harm and will generally be refused unless it can be demonstrated that the development proposal would enhance the special character of the area; demolition will not be approved until consent for the replacement building is agreed. Listed buildings 6. Any proposed alteration must have regard for conserving or enhancing the special character of the building, both internally and externally. Replacement materials should be like for like or, where this is not possible or not preferable, should be compatible with the existing character of the building, either by sympathetically matching or contrasting. Non-designated heritage assets 7. Any proposed alteration to a non-designated heritage asset, including locally listed buildings, structures and landscapes, must have special regard to the asset's contribution to the streetscape. 8. Any proposed alteration to a non-designated heritage asset, including locally listed buildings, structures and landscapes, should conserve the particular characteristics that justify its identification. Conservation areas 9. Proposals for development within Conservation Areas must have due regard to the area appraisal and management plan in terms of design, use, and any other element identified as relevant. Archaeological evidence 10. Development proposals should be assessing the archaeological potential of sites and then retaining, in situ, archaeological evidence within sites, wherever possible. Where archaeological evidence cannot be retained, the appropriate levels of archaeological investigation and recording should be undertaken prior to the redevelopment of the site.

Managing Bexley's heritage assets

1. The Council will manage Bexley's heritage and archaeological assets, whilst seeking opportunities to make the most of these assets; including adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. This will enhance the local sense of place and support the revitalisation and development of the borough, including promoting the visitor economy. This will be achieved by: a. promoting the borough's heritage assets, such as Lesnes Abbey, Danson Mansion, Hall Place and Gardens, Crossness Beam Engine House and Red House; b. reviewing the status of existing and identifying new heritage and archaeological assets; c. applying the NPPF and London Plan requirements for development proposals affecting heritage assets to conserve and enhance the significance of heritage assets, their settings, and the wider historic environment, and the requirements to protect assets from development that is likely to adversely impact on the significance, integrity, character or appearance of those assets or their settings; d. protecting the internal features of Council owned non-designated heritage assets where they contribute to the asset's significance; and, e. supporting historic restoration schemes through partnership working and seeking funding to enhance and use heritage and archaeological assets in an appropriate and sympathetic manner.

Providing a supply of housing

1. Development proposals for new housing must: a. be well designed, appropriate for the area, high quality, sustainable and take account of the impacts of cumulative development, including on the health and wellbeing of the borough's residents; b. make the most effective and efficient use of land, seeking to achieve higher densities in the most accessible locations; c. achieve relevant London Plan space, accessibility, environmental, and housing amenity standards, having regard to published guidance; and d. encourage mixed communities through 'tenure blind' architecture. 2. Development proposals, as a starting point, should seek to deliver a mix of dwelling sizes, including family housing, in line with Table 3, in order to meet overall need across the borough over the plan period. 3. For residential development proposals with a capacity of 10 or more (gross) dwellings, the Council will follow a threshold approach to affordable housing in line with London plan policies H4 and H5. 4. Development proposals that do not meet the affordable housing threshold will be refused unless justified by a full, normally unredacted viability assessment that is submitted at the same time that a planning application is submitted. 5. Developers are encouraged to provide plots within residential schemes for individuals or groups to build their own homes.

Residential development on backland and infill sites

1. Proposals for new dwellings on small (less than 0.25ha) brownfield sites, including infill and backland sites, will generally be encouraged within the borough's identified Sustainable Development Locations, and permitted outside of these locations subject to part 4 of policy SP1. In all locations proposals will be supported in particular where: a. the development capacity of the site is optimised; and, b. the development provides well-designed housing with a high standard of amenity that makes a positive contribution to the area. 2. Proposals for development on residential gardens and/or communal amenity spaces (including green spaces) will be resisted, except where: a. adequate and safe access for vehicles and pedestrians is provided, with no unacceptable adverse effects on the access to adjacent dwellings; b. there are no unacceptable adverse effects on the privacy and amenity of residents of neighbouring properties; c. distinctive landscape and nature conservation features, such as trees, hedgerows and ponds, are retained; and, d. the proposed and existing dwellings retain sufficient private and, if appropriate, communal amenity space.

Providing housing for older people

1. Proposals for new specialist housing for older people will be supported where: a. there is a continued need in the borough, having regard to part 3 of Policy SP2, for the tenure and type of accommodation proposed; b. standards of HAPPI have been considered, and implemented where appropriate, to ensure the scheme is suitable for the intended occupants; and c. the scheme is sustainably located near public transport, shops, local services, community facilities and social networks for residents, carers and visitors. 2. Proposals for residential care establishments that fall under use class C2 will need to demonstrate that they would provide levels of care as defined in Article 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 or any subsequent amendments. 3. Any loss of specialist housing for older people will be resisted except where the applicant can demonstrate that there is no longer an established need in the borough. 4. Specialist housing for older people will be expected to provide an affordable housing contribution in line with policy requirements.

Gypsy and traveller accommodation

1. Bexley's existing provision for Gypsy and Traveller Sites, listed below and defined on the Policies Map, will be protected, while demand exists. 2. The following considerations should be taken into account in the determination of locations for future Gypsy and Traveller Sites: a. complying with the requirements of other relevant policies, including policies that seek to protect designated areas, such as Metropolitan Green Belt, from inappropriate development; b. avoiding areas of flood risk (Environment Agency Flood Zones 2 and 3), as caravans are considered highly vulnerable to the risks of flooding; and c. ensuring there are no significant adverse impacts on the locality including: i. the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area; ii. the residential amenity of neighbouring properties; and iii. the local highway network. 3. Any proposal for a new site, or intensification or extension of an existing site, should: a. provide suitable access to local services and facilities and public transport links; and, b. be of suitable environmental quality (such as noise and air quality) to not unduly affect the amenity and health and wellbeing of potential residents. 4. Proposed improvements to existing pitches and sites will be supported, where appropriate.

Requirements for HMOs and live/work units

1. Development proposals for new houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) and non-self-contained live/work units (considered, and assessed, as HMOs) will be supported subject to: a. demonstrating they will not have an adverse impact on the local area; and b. the appropriate quality of the accommodation being proposed. 2. Self-contained live/work units will be expected to meet all London Plan living and space standards applicable to C3 residential accommodation.

Loss of existing housing

1. Development resulting in the net loss of all or part of a dwelling will generally be resisted, except where: a. it would replace a ground floor residential unit within a town centre with a ground floor main town centre use; b. it would replace significantly substandard units with fewer, high-quality units; or c. the loss would allow for the provision of a community facility that is suitable for residential areas, subject to no significant adverse impacts on neighbouring properties. 2. The loss of housing units through estate regeneration may be considered acceptable where the overall amount of affordable floorspace is retained or, ideally, increased. 3. Proposals to return vacant homes back into use will be supported.

ERI02 Pier Road West

1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 180 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. align blocks along Pier Road to create a sense of place and, where possible, retain views of Christ Church and Erith Town Hall and improve the visibility of Queen Street Baptists Church b. align blocks and position main town centre ground floor frontages to enhance the legibility of Pier Road, the east-west route through the town centre c. improve the sense of arrival in the town from the west through a block structure that locates main town centre uses on the ground floor, primarily addressing routes to the west and along Pier Road d. consolidate main town centre uses at ground floor along Pier Road and Bexley Road e. introduce north/south routes including re-establishing the historic alignment of Cross Street, linking Riverside Gardens and the River Thames, to Queen Street Baptist Church and beyond f. deliver part of the improvements to the public realm at the Queens Road Junction and along Bexley Road g. provide developer contributions where necessary and proportionate to the nature and scale of the development to improve connections between the site and Erith Station and Riverside Gardens, including filling in the subway to the east to unlock additional development potential and improve access to Erith Station h. ensure that any onsite parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact i. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider urban block.

ERI03 Pier Road East

1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 110 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. align blocks along Pier Road to create a sense of place and, where possible, improve the visibility of Queen Street Baptist Church b. align blocks and position main town centres ground floor frontages to enhance the legibility Pier Road, the east-west route through the town centre c. consolidate main town centre uses at ground floor along Pier Road and Bexley Road d. ensure any new east-west routes through the site do not undermine the town centre function of Bexley Road and Pier Road e. introduce north/south routes including re-establishing the historic alignment of Cross Street, linking Riverside Gardens and the River Thames, to Queen Street Baptist Church and beyond f. deliver onsite public realm improvements along Bexley Road g. provide developer contributions where necessary and proportionate to the nature and scale of the development to improve connections between the site and Riverside Gardens h. not preclude public transport routes through the site i. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider urban block.

ERI04 Erith Riverside

1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development with new public open space. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that as a minimum, the provision of 270 new homes is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should enhance the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. introduce attractive residential development with a strong relationship with the River Thames, enhancing the riverside environment b. improve and extend existing routes to establish a legible internal network that connects to the existing street network and riverside, reinstating Wheatley Terrace Road as a key east-west route through the site with ERI05 Morrisons Erith and extending the Thames Path public footpath c. provide new public open space within the development to contribute towards addressing the deficiency within the area, as an extension of the new public open space to be provided on site ERI05 Morrisons Erith d. not preclude potential public transport routes through the site e. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider urban block.

BXH05 Peppers Builders Merchants

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 30 new homes is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should enhance the area. As well as meeting all other policy requirements, proposals should a. create a new pedestrian and cycle route across the site between Rowan Road and Stratton Road/Harlington Road that is well defined by active building frontages b. create active street frontages within the street scenes of Rowan Road and Bynon Avenue c. establish a pedestrian footpath that leads from the end of Bynon Road to the new street.

BXH06 Land behind Belvedere Road

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development with green, open spaces. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 70 new homes, with part of the existing open space retained and made publicly accessible, can be achieved on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should enhance the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. create a communal green open space within the site, being at least 0.4 hectares in size, to address the area's open space deficiency, which is well defined by built form with active frontages b. provide an enhanced ecological buffer along the railway on the northern edge of the site c. improve access arrangements onto Belvedere Road for vehicles d. provide developer contributions to improve the quality or quantity of playing fields in more suitable locations within the borough, including through the intensification of existing facilities, in order to provide additional pitches e. explore the possibility of providing a pedestrian link from the residential alleyway on Church Road to create improved connectivity with the railway station and local centre.

CRA01 Former Electrobase/Wheatsheaf Works

Land use, capacity and phasing 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 310 new homes and the creation of an enhanced riverside environment along the River Cray is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of the site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should: a. introduce a residential neighbourhood, with frontages set well back from the River Cray and introducing frontages along Roman Way and Stadium Way b. create a new riverside walk connecting the town centre with the SINC to the west of the site, including providing developer contributions for a link across Roman Way that connects with the riverside walk to the east c. provide links from the riverside walk through the site, and from Maxim Road to Stadium Way to connect with site CRA03 Sainsbury's Crayford to improve permeability to Crayford Railway Station d. ensure that any parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact e. investigate, and, if it is technically feasible, de-culvert the main river where it crosses the site.

BEL02 Station Road East

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 80 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. provide a high-quality public space outside of Belvedere Railway Station that creates an arrival to the town centre, which is fronted by main town centre uses on the ground floor b. extend main town centre uses on the ground floor along Station Road, incorporating the existing line of mature trees within the design of the scheme c. create a prominent corner at the junction of Station Road and Picardy Street that positively contributes to wayfinding when approaching Belvedere Railway Station and Lower Belvedere Town Centre, whilst ensuring a visual connection to the heritage assets on Lower Park Road from the station d. work with service providers to assess the need to re-provide the family centre e. not preclude vehicular access across the site to BEL01 ASDA and B&Q Belvedere f. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider urban block.

BEL03 Station Road West

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 40 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. establish a new streetscape along Picardy Street that incorporates a new public open space and turns the corner with Station Road, fronted by active main town centre uses at ground floor b. create a prominent corner at the junction of Station Road and Picardy Street that positively contributes to wayfinding when approaching Belvedere Railway Station and Lower Belvedere Town Centre, reinforcing Station Road as an approach to the station c. establish active frontage along Dylan Road to provide passive surveillance d. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider area.

BEL04 Land adjacent Woodside School

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 140 new homes is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should enhance the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. respond positively to the steep and varied topography of the site, using a variety of building typologies and design layouts including for residential amenity b. incorporate changes in levels and varied building heights to enhance views into and out of the site and to help with wayfinding c. introduce a landscaped pedestrian route through the site that is a green link between Lower Road and Halt Robin Road to improve access to Belvedere station and to Frank's Park d. retain the band of trees that runs along Lower Road at the northern part of the site, and incorporate an appropriate buffer to protect Frank's Park Ancient Woodland to the south.

ABW01 Felixstowe Road Car Park

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 90 new homes, along with the provision of ground and flyover level main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. create a gateway that forms part of a legible sequence of public spaces between Abbey Wood Village, Southmere Lake and the wider Abbey Wood and South Thamesmead area b. provide a high-quality public realm and appropriate mix of main town centre uses to create a sense of arrival at both flyover and ground level, reinforcing Abbey Wood station as an important transport hub c. include a bicycle hub within the public realm d. ensure that any parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact e. provide developer contributions for a potential expansion of the Controlled Parking Zone around Abbey Wood station f. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider area.

ERI01 Erith Western Gateway

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development including estate regeneration, with some town centre uses. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 440 new homes is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of the site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. retain the two existing residential towers and the locally listed buildings, sensitively incorporating these into the design for the site b. improve permeability and legibility through the creation of a new internal network of streets, including a north/south route along the previous Cross Street alignment connecting the town to the River Thames and a new east/west route connecting to the station c. as a minimum, provide the existing amount and quality of designated urban open space, and retain existing mature trees d. define existing streets by new building frontages where appropriate e. provide views over the River Thames from Bexley Road and the urban open space f. deliver onsite public realm improvements along and adjacent to Walnut Tree Road and Erith High Street, whilst not precluding public transport routes through the site g. provide developer contributions where necessary and proportionate to the nature and scale of the development to improve connections from the site to Riverside Gardens and the station, and to fill in the subway under the Queens Road roundabout h. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the larger site or across the wider urban block.

ERI02 Pier Road West

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 190 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. align blocks along Pier Road to create a sense of place and, where possible, retain views of Christ Church and Erith Town Hall and improve the visibility of Queen Street Baptists Church b. align blocks and position main town centre ground floor frontages to enhance the legibility of Pier Road, the east-west route through the town centre c. improve the sense of arrival in the town from the west through a block structure that locates main town centre uses on the ground floor, primarily addressing routes to the west and along Pier Road d. consolidate main town centre uses at ground floor along Pier Road and Bexley Road e. introduce north/south routes including re-establishing the historic alignment of Cross Street, linking Riverside Gardens and the River Thames, to Queen Street Baptist Church and beyond f. deliver part of the improvements to the public realm at the Queens Road Junction and along Bexley Road g. provide developer contributions where necessary and proportionate to the nature and scale of the development to improve connections between the site and Erith Station and Riverside Gardens, including filling in the subway to the east to unlock additional development potential and improve access to Erith Station h. ensure that any onsite parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact i. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider area

ERI05 Morrisons Erith

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development with new public open space. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 420 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. contribute to the realisation of Pier Square as a vibrant public space through creating frontages on to the Square that are designed to frame the space, with main town centre uses on the ground floor and residential accommodation above b. provide new public open space within the development to contribute towards addressing the deficiency within the area c. establish a legible internal movement network, including the provision of an improved vehicular link between Colebrook Street and James Watt Way, and reinstating Wheatley Terrace Road as a key east-west route through the site with ERI04 Erith Riverside d. create active frontages by locating main town centre uses on the ground floor, primarily addressing routes to the riverside and the reinstated alignment of Wheatley Terrace Road, with residential accommodation above e. deliver improvements to the public realm at the junction of James Watt Way and Colebrook Street f. provide developer contributions where necessary and proportionate to the nature and scale of the development to improve James Watt Way junction and the extension of Colebrook Street g. provide views and connections through the site to the River Thames and Erith Pier where possible h. not preclude public transport routes through the site i. ensure that any parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact j. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider urban block.

BXH01 Former Bexley CCG Offices

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 180 new homes, along with the provision of the existing GP surgery, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should enhance the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. retain and convert the locally listed former Bexley Maternity Hospital, incorporating the building into the scheme to anchor the development, provide a focal point and improve the setting of the building b. respect the current east to west street alignment that integrates the site with Lavernock Road, keeping a single vehicular access and allowing for a pedestrian and cycle connection with the station c. ensure that street spaces are well defined by built form and that any parking provision is not a dominant street quality d. create a minimum 15m buffer consisting of semi-natural habitats between the development and Bursted Wood in keeping with its ancient woodland status e. incorporate a tree lined ecological buffer zone along the southern boundary to support, restore and enhance the wildlife function of the strategic green wildlife corridor running along the railway line.

BXH02 Bexleyheath Town Centre East

1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 130 new homes along, with the provision of ground and first floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. enhance and activate a prominent corner within the town centre that improves the urban character and incorporates the small pieces of undeveloped land alongside Arnsberg Way b. set building heights that are lower than the buildings heights of Eastside Quarter, which are intended to serve as a point of emphasis and visible landmark c. establish a consistent building frontage along Arnsberg Way and Broadway with main town centre uses, including leisure uses, at ground and lower floors to create a strong connection between internal commercial spaces and the street d. consider the treatment of the shared boundary with the police station e. ensure that any parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact f. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider area.

BXH03 EDF Energy

1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 200 new homes is achievable on this site, along with some commercial uses, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should enhance the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. use changes in building heights and typologies to consider and respond to the character of adjacent buildings and the surrounding townscape b. introduce a legible internal movement network to create better permeability within the area, with active frontages along a main route that crosses the site from west to east c. not preclude a vehicular access to the site from the road that serves the bowling alley car park d. create active frontages on to the three existing streets with vehicular access from the west and south and a pedestrian connection eastwards to the town centre e. reinforce the primary frontage along the Broadway, where main town centre uses at ground level would be appropriate as a connection between Bexleyheath Town Centre and Lion Road Neighbourhood Centre and to reflect the site's location along the high street f. enhance the setting of the locally listed church that sits adjacent the site's southeast boundary.

BXH04 Buildbase Bexleyheath

1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 30 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should enhance the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. maintain a frontage of main town centre uses at ground floor along Pickford Lane, introducing residential units behind and above b. provide a high-quality, landscaped space to the front of the commercial units to reduce the dominance of parked vehicles and to create a pedestrian friendly environment.

ABW02 Lesnes Estate/Coralline Walk

1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development through estate regeneration, proposed by Peabody, the registered housing provider and landowner, to deliver approximately 1,850 new homes, replacing 746 units of existing housing, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. create active residential frontages along the perimeter of the site, integrating high-quality public open space throughout the proposed scheme with clear definition between public and private spaces b. provide an improved environment for pedestrians, including the creation of a new large public green space, and improve permeability and wayfinding through the site c. establish a key north-south route that connects with the wider quietway network, providing a link between the housing zone sites, Southmere Lake and Abbey Wood Village and station d. enhance the ecological value of Abbey Way linear park to improve its function as a green wildlife corridor and SINC whilst retaining its residential amenity e. not undermine main town centre uses located at Southmere Village neighbourhood centre and Abbey Wood Village local town centre through the introduction of commercial floor space.

CRA01 Former Electrobase/Wheatsheaf Works

Proposals should: a. introduce a residential neighbourhood, with frontages set well back from the River Cray and introducing frontages along Roman Way and Stadium Way b. create a new riverside walk connecting the town centre with the SINC to the west of the site, including providing developer contributions for a link across Roman Way that connects with the riverside walk to the east c. provide links from the riverside walk through the site, and from Maxim Road to Stadium Way to connect with site CRA03 Sainsbury's Crayford to improve permeability to Crayford Railway Station d. ensure that any parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact e. investigate, and, if it is technically feasible, de-culvert the main river where it crosses the site.

CRA02 Tower Retail Park

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 360 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Redevelopment of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. retain and enhance the public space focussed on the locally listed Crayford Clock Tower b. create active frontages by locating town centre uses on the ground floor, primarily addressing Crayford Road, with residential accommodation above c. establish a legible internal movement network, which connects to the existing street network, with town centre uses on the ground floor fronting these routes d. improve onward access to the station through developer contributions for a new pedestrian link across Crayford Road to support increased densities e. create a new landscaped open space that will connect to the new pedestrian link across Crayford Road establishing a key view towards the locally listed Crayford Town Hall f. ensure that any parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact g. investigate, and, if technically feasible, de-culvert the main river where it crosses the site h. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider area.

CRA03 Sainsbury's Crayford

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 450 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. establish a new frontage along Stadium Way and Roman Way, with main town centre uses on the ground floor and residential accommodation above, to create a new sense of place in this part of Crayford Town Centre b. create a sense of arrival by establishing a new pedestrianised street from Crayford railway station with main town centre uses on the ground floor and residential accommodation above, providing a legible route across the site to a new public square, and on to Crayford Road c. improve access to the site and therefore allow for increased densities through developer contributions to pedestrian crossings including connecting with site CRA01 Former Electrobase/Wheatsheaf Works, within the town centre and public realm improvements around Crayford Railway Station d. in addition to part b of the policy, establish a legible internal movement network with active frontages on the ground floor fronting these routes to create permeability and wayfinding through the site, providing an improved environment for pedestrians e. respond to the site's adjacency to designated open space with building heights providing views into Crayford Meadows behind the Greyhound Stadium f. ensure that any onsite parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact g. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider area.

BEL01 ASDA and B&Q Belvedere

1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 460 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. create a sense of arrival by establishing a new pedestrianised high street from Belvedere station with main town centre uses on the ground floor and residential accommodation above, providing a legible route across the site to a new public square, a key focal point of the site b. provide developer contributions for new pedestrian links across Lower Road and a ramp up to Picardy Manorway to improve access to Franks Park and the wider area c. in addition to part 2.a, establish a legible and permeable internal movement network with active frontages on the ground floor fronting these routes to support wayfinding through the site, providing an improved environment for pedestrians and vehicular access from Lower Road d. introduce landscaped buffers to enhance the adjacent SINC and reduce the risk of flooding e. ensure that any parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact f. not preclude vehicular access to the site from Station Road across BEL02 Station Road East g. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider urban block.

BEL02 Station Road East

1. This site is allocated for residential-led, mixed-use town centre development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 80 new homes, along with the provision of ground floor main town centre uses, is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. provide a high-quality public space outside of Belvedere Railway Station that creates an arrival to the town centre, which is fronted by main town centre uses on the ground floor b. extend main town centre uses on the ground floor along Station Road, incorporating the existing line of mature trees within the design of the scheme c. create a prominent corner at the junction of Station Road and Picardy Street that positively contributes to wayfinding when approaching Belvedere Railway Station and Lower Belvedere Town Centre, whilst ensuring a visual connection to the heritage assets on Lower Park Road from the station d. work with service providers to assess the need to re-provide the family centre e. not preclude vehicular access across the site to BEL01 ASDA and B&Q Belvedere f. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or across the wider urban block.

BEL05 Belvedere Gas Holders

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development with green, open spaces. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that the provision of approximately 465 new homes is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. establish a consistent building line along Yarnton Way to create a strong connection between the built form and the street with clear definition between public and private spaces b. establish a legible and permeable internal movement network with active frontages that connects to adjacent streets c. create a green linear route through the site that provides a high quality environment for pedestrians d. not preclude a public transport route through the site by establishing a street alignment that will enable a future bus-based connection, connecting Yarnton Way with Maida Road e. introduce new, significant habitat on the southern part of the site, in order to restore and enhance its wildlife function, as well as allow for appropriate public access.

BEL06 Monarch Works

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 90 new homes is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of this site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. provide high quality, new and improved pedestrian and cycle routes to create and enhance connections through to Belvedere Railway Station and Lower Belvedere Town Centre and create a sense of arrival b. not preclude a public transport route through the site by establishing a street alignment that would enable a future bus-based connection from Belvedere station and the town centre across the site towards the industrial area and BEL07 Crabtree Manorway South to the east, and beyond c. create a buffer along the southern boundary of the site to enhance the strategic green wildlife corridor that runs along the railway line.

BEL07 Crabtree Manorway South

Land use and capacity 1. This site is allocated for primarily residential development with green, open spaces. The design-led approach for optimising site capacity indicates that, as a minimum, the provision of 740 new homes is achievable on this site, subject to part 2 below. Development approach 2. Development of the site should transform the area. As well as meeting other policy requirements, proposals should a. provide high quality, enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes to create and enhance connections through to Belvedere station, Lower Belvedere Town Centre and Frank's Park including through developer contributions for an enhanced pedestrian bridge over the railway to Michell Close b. in addition to part 2.a, establish a legible and permeable internal movement network with active frontages that connects to the existing street network, including developer contributions for appropriate junction improvements at Bronze Age Way c. not preclude a public transport route through the site by establishing a street alignment that would enable a future bus-based connection from Belvedere station and the town centre to the industrial area to the north of the site, and beyond d. provide high-quality green open space along Bronze Age Way, bounded by the active frontages of buildings, focussed around the network of drainage ditches (the Belvedere Dykes SINC), which should be restored and enhanced and incorporated as part of the street scene to address the site's deficiency in access to open space and access to nature e. ensure that any parking provision is designed to minimise its functional and visual impact f. not prejudice policy compliant comprehensive development, either within the site or wider area g. be future proofed to allow for later intensification of the site.

Meeting Bexley's housing requirements

1. The Council will seek to meet, as a minimum, the 10-year housing target for Bexley of 6,850 net new homes, with the potential to support further homes for the remainder of the plan period between 2030 and 2038. A greater number of homes will be supported, subject to compliance with all relevant Development Plan policies. 2. In this context, and reflecting local evidence for housing, it is the Council's aspiration to achieve its strategic target of 50% affordable housing as a proportion of all qualifying provision across the borough over the plan period, by application of the threshold approach set out in policy DP1. This should be achieved with an overall tenure mix of 70% low cost rented and 30% intermediate housing products and with a mix of housing types and sizes identified in the Bexley Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) and set out in Table 3. 3. The Council will seek to accommodate the specific needs of particular groups of residents. The Bexley SHMA, the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA), and the Council's Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register identify demand for the following housing numbers over the plan period: a. 55 units per annum of specialist older person accommodation (falling within use class C3); b. 26 units per annum of residential care accommodation (falling within use class C2); c. 3.6 gypsy and traveller pitches (detailed in Table 4) over the plan period based on a cultural definition of need; and d. 24 self-build homes per annum (based on the average number of new entries on the Council's self-build register each year). 4. In order to create high-quality, safe and well-connected lifetime communities, which offer a choice of living styles that appeals across generations, new homes should be provided that are available to households across a range of incomes and sizes. To achieve this, the Council will: a. seek to deliver a balance of family and other types and sizes of housing within affordable and market housing schemes, as identified in the Bexley SHMA; b. work closely with registered providers to support the development of new homes and explore the potential for intensification of existing social housing land; c. encourage sensitive residential intensification within the borough's identified Sustainable Development Locations, and permit it outside of these locations subject to part 4 of policy SP1; and d. monitor the demand for self-build or custom build accommodation in the borough and plan accordingly. 5. The Council recognises that the London Plan sets a significant proportion of Bexley's housing requirement to be met through the development of sites smaller than 0.25 hectares in size. Therefore, the Council will encourage proposals for appropriate development of small sites within the borough's identified Sustainable Development Locations, and permit them outside of these locations subject to part 4 of policy SP1.

Telecommunications and digital infrastructure

1. The Council supports the delivery of full-fibre digital connectivity set out in London Plan policy SI 6. 2. Proposals for new or upgraded telecommunications and associated equipment will be supported, including masts, cabinets and other related equipment, which should be located so as to minimise any adverse effects ensuring that: a. the installation(s) are kept to a minimum, consistent with the efficient operation of the network; b. opportunities for the sharing or clustering of facilities has been fully considered, including siting masts on existing buildings; c. they are sited and designed to minimise their visual impact and appearance, including through the choice of materials and colour; d. they do not cause undue harm to the character or appearance of the associated building or area; e. appropriate planting and landscaping has been incorporated to help screen installations; and f. there is no undue harm to highway safety or the functionality of other street furniture.

Protecting and enhancing water supply and wastewater infrastructure

1. The Council will: a. work with Thames Water in relation to local wastewater infrastructure requirements and support wastewater treatment infrastructure investment to accommodate London's growth and climate change impacts; b. promote improvements to water supply infrastructure, particularly within the defined Sustainable Development Locations, to contribute to security of supply in a timely, efficient and sustainable manner taking energy consumption into account; c. promote the protection and improvement of the water environment in line with the Thames River Basin Management Plan, taking account of catchment plans; Crossness Sewage Treatment Works (CSTW) d. support the protection of CSTW as a key infrastructure asset, from the risks of flooding; e. promote public access to the Thames Path through CSTW and the conservation and enhancement of the Crossness Beam Engine House, including the site and buildings within its curtilage, and seek to affect these by means of planning obligations in the event of substantial planning permissions being contemplated in the vicinity.

Achieving sustainable development – the spatial strategy

Commitments for sustainable growth 1. The Council, through its policies and decisions, will aim to: a. positively pursue sustainable development in the borough by providing locally specific requirements in line with the NPPF and the London Plan; and b. work towards achieving sustainable growth in homes, jobs and services to create a network of healthy, well-connected, high-quality, desirable places where people want to live, play, learn and work in line with the vision and objectives of the Council's key strategies and this Local Plan, thus implementing the principles of sustainable development. 2. All new proposals for development must conform with the following principles of securing sustainable development in Bexley, where appropriate: a. Strengthen and diversify the local economy by: i. reinforcing the network of vibrant and successful town centres; ii. optimising the use of the borough's industrial land through intensification of sites; iii. increasing inward investment in new high technology and creative sectors supported by world-class digital infrastructure; iv. promoting circular economy principles and business models; and, v. improving access to jobs in Bexley, London and the wider south east through the development of local skills. b. Protect and enhance the natural and built environment by: i. adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change, including flood risk; ii. focussing new development on urban, brownfield sites in accessible locations; and, iii. optimising the efficient management of waste and existing natural resources. c. Create high-quality, safe and well-connected healthy lifetime communities by: i. offering a choice of accessible living styles that appeal across generations; and ii. providing necessary infrastructure, local services, open spaces, and cultural and educational facilities. Bexley's spatial approach to growth 3. The main focus for the housing, industrial and commercial growth identified for Bexley, at varying densities and including most of its supporting infrastructure, services and facilities, will be: a. the Sustainable Development Locations identified on the Policies Map and illustrated by the Key Diagram (Figure 1), which are: i. areas within 800 metres walking distance of, and including, Bexley's Major and District Town Centres and 400 metres from Local Town Centres; ii. areas in the borough within 800 metres of railway stations that have a corresponding town centre nearby and 400 metres where the station has no adjacent town centre; and, iii. areas with public transport access levels (PTALs) of 3-6; b. designated industrial locations (specifically for industrial growth and intensification); and c. the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood London Plan Opportunity Area. 4. Development proposals outside of these areas will be supported where they fully demonstrate compliance with all relevant Development Plan policies.

Neighbourhood centres and small parades

1. The loss of ground floor Class E uses in designated Neighbourhood Centres and Small Parades will be supported if: a. the proposed use positively contributes to the vitality and viability of the parade and; b. the proposed use would include an active frontage immediately accessible from the street and; c. in the case of Neighbourhood Centres, the proposed use would not result in two or more adjoining units of takeaways, betting offices/shops, pay day loan shops, pawn brokers or any other sui generis use considered to be of harm to viability, vitality or wellbeing, with a maximum of one unit or 10% of units (whichever is the greater) with these uses collectively across the centre; d. or, in the case of small parades, the proposed use would not result in more than one unit of takeaways, betting offices/shops, pay day loan shops, pawn brokers, or any other sui generis use considered to be of harm to viability, vitality or wellbeing across the parade.

Development within town centres

1. The Council will promote a diversification of town centre uses, including commercial, business and service uses, community, leisure, cultural and recreational uses, and residential uses, whilst avoiding an over concentration of any one non-class E use. 2. Development proposals in town centres will need to demonstrate that the Agent of Change principle has been considered. 3. Changes of use that would result in a net loss of ground floor main town centre uses within the designated town centre boundary will be resisted. 4. Changes of use that would result in a net loss of ground floor Class E uses within the town centre boundary should ensure that: a. the proposed use is a main town centre use; b. the use contributes to the vitality and viability of the town centre; c. a significant percentage of the units within the town centre boundary will remain in Class E use; d. the proposed use has an active frontage immediately accessible from the street; and, e. the proposed use would not result in two or more adjoining units of takeaways, betting offices/shops, pay day loan shops, and pawn brokers, with a maximum of 10% of units with these uses collectively, and in any event, no one use above 5% of units, across the town centre.

Neighbourhood centres and small parades

Use Class E – Commercial, Business and Service uses will be permitted within neighbourhood centres and small parades. Proposals for changes of use from Class E commercial uses to residential use at ground floor level will not be permitted within neighbourhood centres and small parades. The proliferation of certain sui generis uses including hot food takeaway shops, betting shops, payday loan shops, pawnbrokers and amusement arcades, amongst others, within neighbourhood centres and small parades will be restricted where they would negatively affect the vitality and viability of the centre or parade and impact on people's health and wellbeing.

Supporting successful town centres

1. To realise a network of successful town centres, the Council will work with key stakeholders including the Mayor of London and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), to maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the borough's hierarchy of town centres. In particular, the Council will: a. support proposals for main town centre uses in Bexley's defined Town and Local Centres, including residential-led development on appropriate sites; b. ensure that all new development is appropriate in scale, design and location, and does not negatively impact on the hierarchy in accordance with national and regional policy and local need; c. maintain town centres as the places where commercial, business and service uses are concentrated, as designated on the Policies Map, and support development proposals for the intensification, renewal and modernisation of these uses; d. seek to secure a healthy mix of shop sizes and types, as well as encourage the introduction of pop-up shops and other appropriate temporary uses, including for cultural and creative uses, where they support the vitality and viability of the centre; e. apply the town centre sequential test to all relevant developments as set out in national and regional policy and the retail impact assessment on new developments and redevelopments over a locally set threshold of 280m2 gross; f. support an evening economy across the borough's town centres, and a night-time economy in Bexleyheath, with new development supporting the creation of a comfortable, safe, attractive and accessible day and evening environment; g. support the development of new cultural venues in town centres and places with good public transport connectivity; h. strongly encourage hot food takeaway operators to comply with the Healthier Catering Commitment standards; i. support the creation of attractive town centres through high-quality design; j. work with partners to enhance existing markets and, where appropriate, to establish new markets; k. promote the provision of Shopmobility schemes or similar to ensure maximum accessibility for all; l. seek to ensure that the vitality and viability of the borough's designated Neighbourhood Centres are maintained and enhanced in order that they continue to provide a level of service of neighbourhood significance; and m. develop a town centre strategy for each town centre in accordance with London Plan requirements.

Sustainable transport

Walking a. identify and implement accessible, safe and convenient direct walking routes to Town Centres, transport nodes and other key destinations; b. promote and improve pedestrian wayfinding; c. provide for the undertaking of audits to ensure that the existing pedestrian infrastructure is suitable for its proposed use and that new development improves pedestrian amenity; d. encourage a higher quality pedestrian and street environment for all users through the promotion of healthy streets and integrated communities; e. ensure residential streets encourage children to play out; Cycling f. provide secure, integrated, convenient and accessible cycle parking facilities in line with the standards set out in the London Plan, as a minimum; g. provide on-site changing facilities, including lockers and showers for cyclists, where appropriate; h. contribute positively to an integrated cycling network for London by providing infrastructure that is safe, comfortable, attractive, coherent, direct and adaptable; i. provide links to existing and planned cycle infrastructure projects including the Council's strategic quietways and cycleways network; Public transport network j. allocate road space and provide high level of priority on existing or proposed routes; k. ensure good access to public transport networks; l. ensure that all parts of the network can be used safely, easily and with dignity by all; m. ensure direct, safe, accessible and pleasant walking routes to stops; n. ensure standing, garaging and drivers' facilities are provided where needed; o. improve interchange between different modes of transport; Shared mobility (smarter travel) p. provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure in line with London Plan minimum standards, to be made publicly available where possible; q. provide spaces for car clubs/pool cars, to be made publicly available where possible; and r. ensure compatibility with recognised providers of both services.

Parking management

1. In applying the principles of sustainable development in line with Policy SP1, the Council will seek to balance the need for parking and the environmental, economic and social impacts of traffic movement and parked vehicles. Therefore, proposals for residential development will be expected to provide parking within the lowest applicable maximum London Plan standards except: a. areas with a PTAL of 2 that are outside of Sustainable Development Locations (see Figure 12) where, in exceptional circumstances, consideration will be given on as case by case basis for 3 or more bedroom dwellings to have a maximum standard of up to 1.25 spaces; and b. within the Bexley Riverside Opportunity Area where, except for developments covered by 1a) above, maximum residential parking standards will be the London Plan outer London standards rather than the Opportunity Area standards for outer London. 2. Parking provision materially below London Plan maximum standards may be acceptable in areas that have a PTAL of 3 – 4, for residential development sites that are: a. outside of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) or Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ), where it can be demonstrated through a parking survey that there is sufficient on-street, off-site parking capacity within 200 metres of the development boundary; or b. inside an existing or planned CPZ or RPZ, in which case, where parking surveys suggest issues will arise, the applicant will normally be required to enter into a legal agreement to restrict future occupiers from obtaining on-street parking permits. 3. For residential developments of fewer than 10 units, where the spaces per dwelling calculation results in a fraction of a space, provision will be rounded up to the nearest whole space. 4. For specialist housing for older people, a case by case approach will be taken with the London Plan residential parking standards used as a starting point and particular regard being had to the need for appropriate visitor and staff parking in the context of: a. the public transport access levels in the relevant area; and b. the characteristics of the residential care to be provided including the nature of shift patterns. Such matters should be informed by a transport assessment and other appropriate information. 5. Parking for industrial development should be provided in line with projected operational need. Non-operational parking should be determined on a case by case basis using the London Plan office parking standards as a starting point and having regard to the nature of the use and locality. In both cases parking provision should be calculated via a transport assessment once applicants have demonstrated they have minimised parking requirements through a delivery and servicing plan, parking management plan and travel plan.

Impact of development on the transport network

1. Proposals that reduce the need to travel and improve access to sustainable modes of transport will be supported. 2. Proposals should not have a significant negative effect on the safety of any users, including vulnerable users of the transport network such as pedestrians and cyclists. Proposals should identify, minimise, and mitigate potential negative impacts and seek to achieve a net positive effect on safety wherever practicable. 3. Proposals should not have a significant cumulative negative impact on the operation or efficiency of the local road network, Transport for London Road Network or National Highways Strategic Road Network, the public transport system or local amenity. Proposals should identify, minimise and mitigate potential negative impacts. 4. Development proposals should not result in: a. unsuitable use of any road that is prejudicial to its function in the Road Hierarchy, as set out in Table 11 and identified on the Policies Map, or a street according to its position in the movement and place matrix of street types, as set out in the Local Implementation Plan, illustrated by Figure 13, and taking into account the function of adjacent streets; or b. severe cumulative adverse impacts on the operation of roads or streets in the area.

Bexley's transport network

1. The Council will work to achieve a comprehensive, high-quality, safe, integrated and sustainable transport system, which makes the most of existing and proposed transport infrastructure within the borough. The map of Bexley's transport network, including locations of key transport project proposals, are set out in Figure 10. The Council seeks to ensure a much improved and expanded role for sustainable transport through the following actions: a. initiating or supporting the future development of major new public transport infrastructure proposals within or affecting Bexley, including an extension of Docklands Light Rail to Belvedere, Bus Transit from North Greenwich to Slade Green, River Thames passenger services, including the upgrading of Erith Pier, and potential new Thames crossings – the Council will explore, by continued negotiations with Transport for London and the Port of London Authority a firm basis for the further progression of these schemes; b. increasing the capacity, frequency, accessibility and safety of established bus and rail facilities; c. supporting the improvement of interchange facilities through area-based schemes and other initiatives; d. encouraging walking and cycling within the borough through implementation of local and strategic walking and cycling programmes, travel plans, local safety schemes, the provision of facilities within development proposals, and environmental improvement projects; e. using local targets included in the Council's Local Implementation Plan to ensure Healthy Streets concepts and the Mayor's Transport Strategy's mode share targets are reflected in development proposals; f. working with the Crossrail to Ebbsfleet (C2E) partnership to secure the potential extension of the Elizabeth Line, including the protection of the land required for the scheme in accordance with existing and future Safeguarding Directions, and the managing of development to preserve and enhance the deliverability of the scheme; g. promoting improvements in north-south transport provision, including facilitating junction improvements, clearer signing, and enhanced bus services and facilities – in particular, improved connections will be sought with Abbey Wood station and the Elizabeth line; h. improving the efficiency and promoting the sustainability of freight movement in the borough and ensuring construction and operation of any new rail freight facilities, or wharves for waterborne freight handling, where this does not unduly prejudice other objectives of the Local Plan; i. developing other targeted road schemes, where they assist regeneration and reduce barriers to growth, whilst encouraging sustainable travel options, improving road safety and supporting modal shift away from the car; j. effectively maintaining and efficiently managing the existing highway network to reduce congestion and unnecessary delays, improve the environment, in particular air quality, and promote safety, health and wellbeing; k. encouraging a new transitional approach to providing and managing residential car parking within new developments in areas where parking demands and provision could both reduce over time as more sustainable means of connectivity are improved; and l. ensuring that the proposed change of use or redevelopment of existing railway station or town centre car parks retains or re-provides an appropriate level of public parking where such provision is: i. essential to avoid unacceptable harm resulting from railheading and/or to safeguard the continued viability and vitality of the relevant town centre; ii. the minimum amount necessary; and iii. informed by an appropriate transport assessment. 2. The Council will work with Transport for London, National Highways, Kent County Council, and other relevant partners, so that necessary infrastructure interventions on the strategic road network required to support future development proposals in the borough are better understood, potential solutions found, and a funded and deliverable programme of measures identified.

Safeguarding land for transport schemes

1. The Council will support development proposals that complement and do not frustrate delivery, operation or retention of existing and future transport infrastructure. 2. Unless existing transport infrastructure is agreed as surplus to requirements by the relevant strategic authority, operator or owner, development proposals should not prejudice its continued role, operation or effective, beneficial use. Where this is unavoidable, development proposals should include feasible means of replacing the affected transport infrastructure with alternatives of at least the same quality, funded through developer contributions. This applies to transport infrastructure used for: a. walking; b. cycling; c. public transport services; d. traffic on the public highway; and e. piers/safeguarded wharves (and access to them) to enable movement of people and goods on the River Thames. 3. Development proposals should support the plans to secure investment in, deliver and operate the following key transport infrastructure: a. an extension of the Docklands Light Rail to Belvedere via Thamesmead; b. Bus Transit route corridor priority measures and related interventions; c. targeted interventions on the South Thames Development Route (A206/A2016) to deliver benefits for regeneration and remove barriers to growth as well as improve sustainable transport and road safety where appropriate; d. a crossing of the River Thames between Belvedere and Rainham (likely to be beyond the Plan period); e. an upgrading of Erith Pier to accommodate riverbus services; and f. a cycling/walking crossing of the River Darent north of the A206 Bob Dunn Way. Development proposals will not be accepted that prejudice the successful planning and delivery of these schemes, illustrated on Figure 10. 4. Land is safeguarded for the following strategic transport infrastructure schemes: a. an eastern extension of Crossrail services from Abbey Wood towards Ebbsfleet (C2E), in accordance with the relevant Safeguarding Direction(s) by the Secretary of State for Transport; and, b. completion of A206 Thames Road dualling between Bob Dunn Way and Crayford Way, including widening Cray Mill Bridge and enlarging the Thames Road/Crayford Way roundabout, as illustrated on the Policies Map, to deliver benefits for regeneration and remove barriers to growth as well as improve sustainable transport and road safety where appropriate.