Proposed takeaway causes tension amongst residents in Orpington
Controversy has sparked amongst residents and business owners in Chelsfield after a planning application was submitted to Bromley council to turn a dry cleaner into a takeaway restaurant.
Submitted on the 21st of September 2026, the application proposed a change of the Windsor Drive property from Class E to sui generis, a planning category that seeks full planning permission to use the property for hot food and takeaway services.
However, residents are not happy at the prospect of their local high street gaining another food establishment, arguing that there are enough in the area already.
Jane Lowing, 72, a resident whose garden faces the extractor fans of current restaurants on the high street, said: “They are very disruptive to the area. We have an Indian takeaway, a Chinese takeaway, a fish and chip shop and a bakery. We don’t need any more of these, we need more services that create a varied high street experience.”
Residents have also expressed their concerns within the comments of the application, with one user writing, “Having a high street full of fast-food takeaways will devalue all of the surrounding properties and in my opinion is not beneficial to the area.”
While residents question what another takeaway will to do the area, business owners are worried about how it will affect their own patronage.
When asked if a new business would impact her own shop, Chelsfield Bakehouse owner Danielle Lewin replied: “If it is a food place, then yes. As a bakery we get a lot of business during lunchtime, particularly from builders. A new business could easily take that from us, especially if it’s just a few doors down and a quicker, more filling alternative like fast food.’’
Residents and business owners now wait in anticipation for the 16th of November 2026, the applications decision date.
Publication: The News Shopper
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