Bromley’s MP has told the council ambitious plans for growth in the town centre must come with strengthened infrastructure.

Bob Neill wrote to the  chief planning officer as the council asked for views on its controversial town centre masterplan.

The scheme, which has been consulted on with residents, was dubbed “unimaginative and extremely damaging” by ward councillors last month.

The council asked for feedback on ideas for the heart of the 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.

Mr Neill, the MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, responded: “Whilst I welcome the aim of delivering ambitious mixed use developments that serve the needs of residents, and understand the pressure Bromley is under in meeting the housing target imposed by Sadiq Khan, such a large concentration of new housing, some of which will necessitate the compulsory purchase of properties, will be of concern to residents living and working in the vicinity.

“Indeed, the majority of the 1,230 units being proposed are high-rise, high-density buildings that, unless very carefully managed, have the potential to damage the high street.”

The redevelopment could take up to 20 years to complete, and would include community spaces together with a new station at Bromley South.

The town’s MP endorsed plans put forward by local councillors Nicola Dykes, Michael Rutherford and Will Harmer.

The councillors said the mix of housing should be altered for people of all ages, and multi-storey buildings should be concentrated in the south.

Mr Neill added: “I would stress in the strongest possible terms that any development must be accompanied by an increase in hard and soft infrastructure. The road network is already congested, and any future promoter would have to show clearly how they intend to mitigate local concerns on this matter.”

The councillors also said in their feedback, reiterated by the MP, that developments near Bromley South should include a capacity increase at the station, and that infrastructure must be developed to support a growing population.

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.”

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”.