Transport and infrastructure

Orpington Town Centre is one of the most accessible parts of the Borough in terms of access by sustainable transport modes, particularly public transport; there are numerous bus routes that go through the area and Orpington station is within walking distance of the Town Centre (albeit uphill when travelling from the town centre) and provides links with numerous central London stations and parts of the wider south east. This accessibility is a major strength of the area in terms of planning for the future, especially adapting to potential restrictions post-COVID. Orpington Town Centre is identified as an area of cycling potential where the Council will focus on developing and implementing strategic cycle routes to serve the area.

The Bromley Local Plan expects the provision of car parking as part of residential development. However, the draft London Plan sets out a requirement for Major Town Centres such as Orpington Town Centre to be car-free, meaning that no general parking should be provided; however, disabled parking should still be provided in line with relevant standards. Restrictions on car parking could have additional benefits in terms of sustainability, air quality and public health, and could enable development sites to be optimised further by utilising the space that would have been used for car parking for additional development such as new homes.

It could also help the town centre adapt to changing circumstances, for example by repurposing parking spaces as outdoor spaces such as dining areas linked to retail and leisure uses. The SPD could provide further guidance on car parking requirements, to outline how the new London Plan policy will apply in the town centre.

Cycle parking and non-residential parking requirements are subject to separate requirements identified in the London Plan. Increased cycle parking in particular could be important in order to incentivise cycle use and promote sustainable transport.

The Council is progressing with the adoption of a Borough Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which will help to fund the development of infrastructure in Bromley, including transport infrastructure and social infrastructure such as education and health facilities. The SPD could provide further information of infrastructure priorities in and around Orpington Town Centre to tie in with the development and allocation of the Borough CIL.