Do you think the Council should prepare detailed planning guidance for Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

What should this guidance include?

Less traffic wardens, more clean up teams and fewer charity shops Opening unused shops for community projects, art studios, galleries and drop in centres for elderly or disabled people.

Do you think the Council should prepare detailed planning guidance for Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

What should this guidance include?

I think more care needs to go into thinking about Orpington as a destination. There too much traffic on the High St with traffic moving in ways that are not pedestrian friendly. There’s not much to get excited about on the High Street - it’s all hairdressers and charity shops. Please think about how there could be more variety - independent shops, more child friendly spaces, better things for young people to do (the cinema is good but expensive and there are very few places to hang out for free/not much money). Empty shops, vape shops and shops selling complete tat (beach towels, mattresses and plastic bags) bring down the whole area. The events the council have run are good but tucked away. Couldn’t the high street be the destination for these as it has been for the funfair and Christmas market. These are great but always seem like a flash in the pan (which often compete with local businesses) rather than a regular, welL thought out strategy which complements it. We are proud of living off the High Street but it feels like those making the decisions don’t use the High St or care about their impact.

Do you think the Council should prepare detailed planning guidance for Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

What should this guidance include?

More we’ll known clothes store for women, men & children. Inline with Next, River Island, H&M and a bigger New Look. The bowling alley needs a complete overhaul. Dirty, unhygienic & half broken at best. Pedestrianisation would be great but could cause chaos on surrounding roads for parking & buses if that’s not considered too. Priory Gardens has become a bit of a no go area with much talk of intimidating gangs on social media. Security, a cafe & a public toilet would make it more family friendly. A pet store would be a good addition too.

Do you think the Council should prepare detailed planning guidance for Orpington Town Centre?

Mostly positive

What should this guidance include?

More child friendly space in the town centre/ high street/ walnuts eg. fountains/play equipment. Empty shops made available at low cost to community groups, eg. baby classes, hobby groups to alleviate isolation. Incentivise coming to the town centre car free. Measures to alleviate traffic between war memorial and Orpington station, particularly during rush hour/school run periods.

Do you think the Council should prepare detailed planning guidance for Orpington Town Centre?

Positive

What should this guidance include?

Guidance must be in line with excellent air quality, a car-free future and to allow safe spacing for the current and future pandemic.