We, the undersigned, call on Bexley Council, local councillors and Members of Parliament to urgently intervene in relation to the amendments being proposed under planning permission ref. 21/01708/FUL, which are causing serious concern to residents of Rectory Close.
This development is a constrained backland site located immediately behind existing homes. The current application seeks to vary approved plans in a way that goes far beyond minor changes and has significant impacts on neighbouring residents.
The amended plans introduce enlarged dormers, additional windows and layout changes that increase overlooking, loss of privacy and an overbearing impact on neighbouring homes. These changes are harmful to residential amenity and are out of keeping with the surrounding area.
Most seriously, the submitted drawings show a balcony encroaching into private garden land that is not owned by the applicant. This raises fundamental concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the plans being considered and whether the development, as shown, is lawful or deliverable.
Residents have already experienced problems associated with this site, including previous attempts to use land outside the developer’s ownership, incidents of trespass and damage to neighbouring land, as well as disruption and concerns relating to construction impacts and boundary stability.
We believe these amendments should not be considered through a Section 73 application and must instead be subject to a full planning application, proper consultation and full scrutiny.
We therefore call on the Council and elected representatives to:
Pause or refuse the current application
Investigate boundary and land ownership issues
Ensure residents’ amenity, safety and legal property rights are protected
📢 UPDATE – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SUPPORTERS
Residents affected by this development were not notified of the proposed amendments, despite their significant impact. This lack of consultation has prevented meaningful engagement at an early stage.
Following review of the submitted plans, it has become clear that a balcony is shown encroaching into a private garden belonging to a Rectory Close resident. This land is not within the applicant’s ownership.
The affected resident holds supporting documentation confirming ownership, including legal title evidence and an independent land survey, which clearly demonstrate that the plans are inaccurate.
This has caused serious worry and distress. Residents are deeply concerned that planning decisions may be made based on incorrect boundary information, potentially legitimising unlawful encroachment onto private land.
Given the history of boundary issues, trespass and construction impacts at this site, residents believe this matter now requires urgent intervention by councillors and MPs to ensure the planning process is fair, lawful and transparent.