Christmas has come early for campaigners as a government inspector granted planning permission for a new Bromley school after overturning the council’s decision.

Parents packed into Bromley Civic Centre last month to watch the council defend its decision to u-turn on Bullers Wood School for Boys being built in Chislehurst.

Proposals for Bullers Wood School for Boys at St Hughes’ playing field in Bickley Road, Chislehurst, were approved in 2017, before a controversial back track in January after traffic concerns were raised.

It has been announced today that the scheme has been given the greenlight by the planning inspectorate.

After a three-year-long saga, approval has been granted for a six-form entry secondary school, spread across a two and three storey building.

It follows a relentless campaign dubbed Say Yes To Bullers Wood, led by parents desperate for the school to be built, and backed by some councillors and MP Bob Neill.

Andrew Ruck, one of the lead campaigners, said: “We are all utterly ecstatic! The best early Christmas present we and the boys could hope for.

"All this has been brought about due to the unrelenting battle that the School, parents, children and supporters have fought against Bromley Council over several years."

 

Bob Neill said today: “I’m very pleased, this is absolutely the right decision.

“It has been a long saga and tribute to everyone who has campaigned. I am happy to have helped where I can but it’s been a real grassroots campaign, so there is real credit to all involved.

“I am extremely pleased and grateful at the speed it has come through. I think the inspector picked up on the uncertainty this was causing. They must have read the mood music.

“A very welcome Christmas present for all who have campaigned.”

Councillor Nicky Dykes, who backed the campaign, said: "I am delighted at this news. Bullers Wood will be at it's rightful home. Well done to all those involved in this journey, what a great Christmas present for Bromley families that have worked hard to help make this a reality."

Earlier this year, hundreds of concerned parents and pupils marched in the streets of Bromley in support of the school.

The council had expressed concerns about pupil and highway safety today as it gave its closing arguments to the planning inspector, Christina Downes.

Bromley Council has no objections to the use of the site, but suggested it was the safety issues – particularly in Chislehurst and Bickley Roads – that made plans unacceptable.

Concerns had been raised that the local infrastructure would not cope with the extra traffic and parking, and that the surrounding roads would be unsafe for kids making their way to school. 

Students of Bullers Wood School for Boys are currently in temporary accommodation in Westmoreland Road after planning permission was granted in August.

Bullers Wood Multi Academy Trust has said it is "delighted" with the news.