Plans to construct a new £3.9 million archive facility in Orpington’s Priory Gardens have met with significant opposition from local residents, who argue that the project represents “cultural vandalism.” The proposed facility aims to replace the existing museum and art store in Priory Gardens, which is described as outdated and inadequate for modern archival standards.
Bromley Council maintains that the new archive is essential for preserving the borough’s heritage. The current store, located in a depot within the Grade II listed park, has been in use for over 40 years and is primarily utilized for storage. The council intends for the new structure to be less imposing than existing buildings, designed to be lower in height and set further back from the historic gardens.
Despite assurances from the council, many residents argue that the location is inappropriate for an archive. A petition opposing the project has garnered more than 2,600 signatures since its announcement in the summer. Caroline Jeffrey, a member of the Protect Priory Gardens group, criticized the council’s plans, stating, “Priory Gardens is one of Orpington’s most important historic and ecological landscapes.” She emphasized the need for a transparent decision-making process, noting that such a significant development in a registered historic park should meet the highest planning standards.
As of December 16, 2023, the planning application had attracted 83 objections. Detractors have described the proposed facility as “an absolute eyesore” and a “soulless and lifeless metal box.” Some have raised concerns that the proposal contradicts Policy 55 of Bromley’s Local Plan, which stipulates that any new buildings in Urban Open Space must not exceed the site coverage of existing structures. Critics argue that the new archive would increase the footprint compared to the current depot.
Jeffrey pointed out, “Policy 55 is clear: you replace like-for-like. You cannot expand a protected site by re-labeling open ground as ‘building coverage.’ We simply want the council to follow its own rules.”
In response to objections, the council’s planning documents assert that the new facility meets at least one requirement of Policy 55, allowing it to be considered appropriate for development in Urban Open Space. The documents indicate that the facility will provide community benefits, such as long-term savings for taxpayers and improved access to archival materials.
Opponents have suggested alternative locations for the archive, including the Bromley Civic Centre, where council officers previously found relocation to be unfeasible due to high costs associated with ensuring the building meets archival standards. A council spokesperson reiterated that the current proposal is the only viable option for taxpayers, emphasizing the necessity of replacing the underused depot next to Priory Gardens.
Public consultation for the planning application is currently ongoing, with the final day for residents to submit their comments set for December 19, 2023. The application reference is 25/05351/FPA and can be reviewed on Bromley Council’s planning portal.
The debate over the archive’s location highlights the tension between preserving local history and maintaining public spaces, making it a significant issue for the Bromley community.
