A vision to redevelop parts of Bromley town centre is “unimaginative and extremely damaging”, according to ward councillors.

A consultation was launched last week over projects for more than 1,200 homes as part of Bromley Council’s town centre masterplan.

A planning application for the northern part of the masterplan site, known as Churchill Quarter, was submitted earlier this year and has been consulted on separately.

The council is now asking for feedback on ideas for the heart of masterplan site, which extends along the west side of the High Street from Bromley South station to the Churchill Theatre, and formerly referred to as ‘site G’.

According to consultation documents, there is scope for this redevelopment to bring 1,230 homes in towers up to 15 storeys tall, creating a new neighbourhood along with shops and community spaces.

Ward councillors Nicky Dykes, Will Harmer and Michael Rutherford said there is a limit on the amount of development the town centre could bear.

Cllr Dykes said: “Having high-rise and high-density buildings along this stretch of the high street will destroy the character of the town centre.  We agree that some development is possible at this end of the high street especially if it is combined with transport improvements at Bromley South.

“The proposed plans however go too far and we will fight them to protect the quality of life for residents as well as save the identity of Bromley.”

Cllr Harmer said there needs to be compromise in the borough over which areas are developed to meet the Mayor of London’s housing targets.

MORE: Plans for huge makeover of Bromley town centre to be unveiled at The Glades exhibition

According to the consultation documents:  “Through high quality design and public realm improvements,the area will be transformed into a vibrant urban quarter with new homes, retail and community spaces that together with a new station at Bromley South create a landmark gateway into the town centre”

The redevelopment could take up to 20 years to complete, and the council is now asking for residents’ opinions on their ambitions.

Cllr Rutherford added: “It is vital that as many residents as possible take part in this consultation and join us in trying to protect Bromley town.

“Our residents already feel that they have shouldered the brunt of development in the borough – which has seen significant development over the last few years.

“We fully understand the constraints we have as a borough that has a high percentage of greenbelt but we must take a creative view at where developments can happen.

“Otherwise we will ruin our town forever and still end up building elsewhere given the scale of the mayor’s housing targets.”

The councillors said the current plans are “unimaginative and  extremely damaging” to Bromley, adding they thought tall buildings should be focussed at the south of the high street, and a reduction was needed in the number of high-density developments.

They also said developments near Bromley South should include a capacity increase at the station, and that infrastructure must be developed to support a growing population.

The consultation currently under way is about the location, mix and amount of development that could be delivered in the town centre.

Residents are being asked to give feedback online and exhibitions of the plans are available at the Glades, near Holland and Barrett, from 10am to 4pm,  on August 1 and August 2.

Feedback can be left here. 

According to the Mayor’s London Plan, town centres should be one of the priorities for developments.

The plan says: “Building more housing as part of the development of town centres will also be important, providing homes in well-connected places that will help to sustain local communities.”