London Borough of Bexley

In brief

The London Borough of Bexley is a London borough in south-east London, forming part of Outer London. It has a population of 248,287. The main settlements are Sidcup, Erith, Bexleyheath, Crayford, Welling and Old Bexley. The London Borough of Bexley is within the Thames Gateway, an area designated as a national priority for urban regeneration.

Prior to the 19th century the area now forming the borough was sparsely populated: very few of the present settlements were mentioned in the Domesday Book, although the village of Bexley has a charter dated 814 AD. Erith was a port on the River Thames until the 17th century; the opening of the sewage works at nearby Crossness in the late 19th century turned it into an industrial town.

Today’s settlement pattern is the result of the gradual extension of the London influence. Until the 19th century it was an area with a few isolated buildings such as the Georgian Danson House. With the coming of the railways building began apace, although the area is still composed of many disconnected settlements, interspersed with area of open ground and parks.

The London Borough of Bexley was formed in 1965, under the London Government Act 1963, from the Municipal Boroughs of Bexley and Erith; Crayford Urban District; and part of Chislehurst and Sidcup Urban District. The council initially held meetings at Erith Town Hall before building new purpose-built Civic Offices on the south side of the Broadway, Bexleyheath in 1980.

What to expect

Housing Delivery Test

Action Plan Authority within the 2021 Housing Delivery Test.

Up-To-Date Local Plan

The Local Plan is a key part of Bexley’s Development Plan. It includes:

The Core Strategy
Current policies in the Unitary Development Plan (UDP)
Technical documents

Core Strategy (adopted 22 February 2012)
The Core Strategy sets out the Council’s long-term vision for development in the borough. It aims to support a strong, sustainable and cohesive community. An independent inspector has confirmed the strategy is ‘sound’.

Current policies in the Unitary Development Plan
The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) preceded the Core Strategy. It was adopted on 28 April 2004 but some policies expired in 2007. Following the adoption of the Core Strategy in 2012, some UDP policies were replaced.

Customer Service

Customer service at Bexley is good with officers responsive at all levels.

Decision Making Behaviour

Decision making behaviour is also good and in line with established practice.

Article 4 Directions

Conversion of dwelling houses to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Nitrate Effected Areas

None at present

Last Decision’s

• Land At Junction Of Cocksure Lane And Parsonage Lane Sidcup Kent – Retention of hardstanding and 1 stable block providing 3 additional stables.