# 158-160 High Street, Orpington

- **Decision:** allowed, 3 September 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: P D Sedgwick
- **Authority:** Bromley (London)
- **Appeal reference:** 6010896
- **Application reference:** 22/04951/FULL1
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** Retrospective first-floor rear infill extension and roof-mounted condenser units to supermarket
- **Site context:** inside-settlement
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** August 2026 NPPF
- **Determinative policies:** P3(2)(b)
- **Development plan policies:** Bromley Local Plan 2019 Policy 37
- **Main issues:** outlook of neighbours
- **Tags:** tier-2, retrospective, limited-nppf-engagement

## Summary
Retrospective storage infill and condenser units at the rear of a high-street supermarket. Allowed. Outlook from the flats above adjoining shops was not unduly harmed in a typical service-yard context. The letter does not refer to the Framework.

## What made the difference
The rear-of-parade context: "The outlook from rear windows above shops … inevitably includes service yards, buildings and associated plant" (DL ¶7). The infill wall was no higher than an existing wall, and the 2005 approval had allowed a similar extent (DL ¶¶10–12).

## Policy findings
- **P3(2)(b): pass.** condensers not oppressive to flats above neighbouring shops; infill wall no higher than existing; noise refusal reason withdrawn subject to BS4142 conditions (DL 4-13); Framework not cited

## Key facts
- Council dropped the noise reason after a noise impact assessment; hours condition 08:00-22:00 and anti-vibration mounts within 3 months imposed

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/63866cca-6c77-40bb-ad56-8773b2ebd4f9
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6010896

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6010896.html

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