Lib Dems Condemn Approval of 19-Storey Tower at 1 Westmoreland Road
Bromley Council’s Development Control Committee has narrowly approved controversial plans for a major development at 1 Westmoreland Road, including a 19-storey tower block.
The Liberal Democrats strongly opposed the application, citing its excessive height and inadequate provision of affordable housing. Just 8% of the rental units meet the threshold for affordability, far below Bromley’s own planning policy..
In a chaotic and fractious meeting on 2nd September, the Committee voted 8 to 7 in favour of the scheme. All three Labour councillors and five Conservatives supported the application, despite widespread concerns from residents and local councillors.
“I’m frankly astonished by this decision,” said Cllr Julie Ireland, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Bromley Town.
“Two previous applications for smaller towers were rightly rejected due to height and lack of affordable housing. Yet when the developers return with an even taller tower and the same inadequate housing offer, the Committee waves it through.”
The Liberal Democrats argue that the root of the problem lies in the Council’s failure to produce a robust five-year housing plan, leaving Bromley vulnerable to speculative developments that do little to meet local need.
Cllr Ireland added:
“This was clearly a political decision. Labour councillors voted as a bloc, and several Conservatives who supported the scheme barely spoke during the meeting. Their motivation seems driven by Bromley’s failure to meet housing targets - not by what’s right for the community.”
“Because of the Conservatives’ long-standing failure to deliver enough homes, residents are now paying the price—through increased pressure on infrastructure, rising costs, and missed opportunities for genuinely affordable housing,” said Cllr Ireland.
The Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign for sustainable development, community-led planning, and housing that meets real local needs—not just paper targets for homes that Bromley families cannot afford.