Green Belt Land is precious to us, insist Bromley Council

BROMLEY Council have explained why they decided to reject Cray Wanderers’ plans to build an £18m stadium at Sandy Lane in St Paul’s Cray.


Cray Wanderers’ chairman Gary Hillman, who has been in his role since 1994, proposed a 5,153 capacity stadium, which would have met Football League requirements.

Facilities would have included changing rooms, offices, club shops, food and bar facilities, conference/function rooms, a fitness centre including a 20 metre swimming pool and multi-use arena, crèche, outdoor all weather full-sized football pitch, a 115 bedroom hotel including restaurant and 182 residential dwellings.

However, Mr Hillman, club officials and players heard that the Council unanimously rejected those plans on Thursday, 20 September and called the club Cray Valley Wanderers Football Club on the night.

However, the council have once again shamefully called the Ryman Premier League club “Cray Valley Wanderers” on their official statement.

“While we recognise that this was an application with great public interest, it simply did not demonstrate the exceptional circumstances needed to grant permission to build on Green Belt land,” said Councillor Peter Dean, chairman of Development Control.

“Accepting the proposal would have meant that precious Green Belt land which forms such a huge part of Bromley’s identity would have been lost.

“Residents can be assured that we will always prioritise the sanctity of Green Belt land in the consideration of every planning application.

“The Development Control Committee noted that this project could have had a detrimental effect on the local community with the additional 182 residential units.

“The report noted that the proposal would have an adverse environmental effect occupying valuable Green Belt land and creating noise, light and air pollution, busier roads and visual intrusion.

“The proposed scheme would also have a detrimental impact on wildlife and the River Cray.”

Cray Wanderers, who are the Second Oldest Football Club in the World, face a race against time to find another venue to play their home games because their lease at Bromley’s Hayes Lane ground – where they have played since 1998 - expires at the end of next season.

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/craywands

Bromley Council statement: www.bromley.gov.uk/press/article/563/green_belt_football_stadium_plans_refused