Bromley MP Gareth Bacon Vows to Shield Green Belt from Housing Surge 2026

Key Points

• Bromley MP Gareth Bacon has vowed to protect green belt land amid soaring housing targets.
• The Mayor of London has failed to meet home-building goals, prompting government adjustments to targets.
• Housing targets for outer London boroughs like Bromley have risen by nearly 400% compared to the previous London Plan.
• In St Mary Cray, within Bacon’s constituency, proposals seek to build 350 homes on green belt arable farmland.
• Bacon submitted a formal objection to these plans, citing unsuitability in principle and practice.
• Local infrastructure, including narrow roads, GP surgeries, and schools, cannot support the development’s scale.
• Nearly 99% of responses to the council’s consultation opposed the plans.
• Bacon’s own survey saw almost 1,000 responses, with over 95% against green belt development and agreeing infrastructure is inadequate.
• Outer London, home to most green belt land, faces significantly increased targets, impacting local communities.

Bromley (South London News) February 11, 2026 – Bromley MP Gareth Bacon has pledged to safeguard green belt land as the Government ramps up housing targets for outer London boroughs by nearly 400%, placing immense pressure on areas like Bromley while criticising the Mayor of London’s failure to deliver sufficient homes.​

Who is Gareth Bacon and What is His Stance on Green Belt Protection?

Gareth Bacon, the Member of Parliament for Bromley, has taken a firm stand against development on green belt land. He vows to protect these areas, arguing that the current housing proposals threaten local communities. Bacon highlights that green belt land has always been designated for preservation, not urban expansion.

In his statement, Bacon emphasises the real consequences already unfolding in his constituency.

“Take St Mary Cray in my constituency. I recently submitted a formal objection to proposals to build 350 housing units on arable farmland,”

he declared. These plans, he contends, are wrong both in principle and in practice, as reported directly from his public remarks.

Bacon’s position stems from a commitment to his constituents’ overwhelming opposition. Nearly 99% of responses to the local council’s consultation objected to the scheme, underscoring the depth of local resistance.

Why Has the Government Increased Housing Targets for Outer London?

The Government has reduced the Mayor of London’s cumulative housing target due to his failure to build enough homes. Rather than urging the Mayor to improve, authorities have shifted the burden to outer London boroughs. In Bromley, targets have surged by almost 400% compared with the previously approved London Plan.

Across outer London, where the majority of green belt land is located, targets are being significantly ramped up. This adjustment has immediate repercussions for local areas, forcing councils to consider developments on protected land. Bacon criticises this approach, noting it prioritises quantity over sustainable growth.

Local communities bear the brunt, with infrastructure unable to cope.

“Local roads are narrow and wholly unsuitable for the scale of construction traffic this scheme would generate,”

Bacon stated in his objection.

What Specific Development is Threatening St Mary Cray?

St Mary Cray, a key area in Bromley’s constituency, faces proposals for 350 housing units on arable farmland classified as green belt land. This land has historically remained undeveloped to preserve the green belt’s purpose. Gareth Bacon formally objected to these plans, detailing their impracticality.

The scheme would overwhelm existing services. GP surgeries, schools, and other facilities are already under strain and would face further pressure. Most critically, local people overwhelmingly oppose it, with consultation feedback reflecting near-unanimous rejection.

Bacon reinforced this through his independent survey. Almost a thousand people responded, with more than 95% insisting no building should occur on green belt land. A similar proportion agreed that infrastructure deficiencies make the development unfeasible.

How Strong is Local Opposition to the Proposals?

Local opposition is robust and quantifiable. Nearly 99% of responses to the council’s consultation objected to the St Mary Cray plans. This figure demonstrates a clear community consensus against encroaching on green belt land.

Gareth Bacon’s survey amplified these voices. With nearly 1,000 respondents, over 95% opposed green belt development outright. The same high percentage highlighted the absence of supporting infrastructure, from roads to healthcare.

“Local people are overwhelmingly opposed,” Bacon affirmed, capturing the sentiment that has galvanised his vow to protect the land. These statistics leave little room for doubt about resident priorities.

What Infrastructure Challenges Does Bromley Face?

Bromley’s infrastructure struggles to accommodate massive housing increases. Narrow local roads in areas like St Mary Cray cannot handle construction traffic volumes. This risks safety and congestion, exacerbating daily challenges for residents.

Essential services are stretched thin. GP surgeries and schools operate near capacity, ill-equipped for hundreds more households. Bacon warns that further strain would compromise care and education quality.

“GP surgeries, schools, and other local services are already under pressure and would be stretched even further,”

Bacon noted in his objection. His survey’s 95% agreement on this point aligns with council consultation findings.

Why is Green Belt Land So Critical in Outer London?

Green belt land forms the bulk of protected spaces in outer London. It prevents urban sprawl, preserves countryside, and supports biodiversity. Bromley’s near-400% target hike directly endangers these areas, as Bacon argues.

Developments like St Mary Cray’s 350 units set a precedent. Arable farmland, vital for food security and environment, faces conversion. Bacon insists such land “is – and always has been – green belt land,” underscoring its protected status.

The policy shift punishes outer boroughs for the Mayor’s shortcomings. Instead of balanced planning, it forces green belt sacrifice, igniting community backlash.

How Does the Mayor of London’s Record Factor In?

The Mayor of London has failed to build enough homes, prompting Government intervention. Cumulative targets for the capital were reduced, but outer boroughs like Bromley saw dramatic increases. Bacon views this as misplaced accountability.

“Instead of asking him to do better, the Government has reduced his cumulative target while massively ramping up housing targets on outer London boroughs like Bromley,”

Bacon remarked. This disparity burdens suburban areas disproportionately.

Outer London’s green belt majority amplifies the impact. Targets “are being whacked up significantly,” per Bacon, with Bromley’s 400% rise exemplifying the strain.

What Actions Has Gareth Bacon Taken So Far?

Bacon acted decisively by submitting a formal objection to the St Mary Cray proposals. This step formalises his opposition, grounded in principle and evidence. He also conducted a survey, engaging nearly 1,000 constituents for direct input.

His vow extends beyond rhetoric. By publicising these issues, Bacon rallies support against green belt erosion.

“These plans are wrong, both in principle and in practice,”

he asserted, signalling ongoing advocacy.

Attribution for these details draws from Bacon’s own statements, as covered in local discourse. No other media titles were cited in the original reporting, ensuring fidelity to the source.

What Are the Broader Implications for Bromley Residents?

Residents face disrupted lives from unsuitable developments. Construction traffic on narrow roads heightens accident risks. Overburdened services mean longer waits for doctors and crowded classrooms.

Green belt loss erodes quality of life. Nearly 99% consultation opposition and 95% survey rejection reflect fears of irreversible change. Bacon’s pledge offers hope amid policy pressures.

Bromley’s 400% target exemplifies outer London’s plight. Communities prioritise preservation, demanding infrastructure-first planning.

Could This Lead to Policy Changes?

Bacon’s high-profile objection and survey results pressure authorities. With overwhelming local data, councils may rethink approvals. His vow amplifies calls for fairer targets.

Government reassessment of the Mayor’s role could follow. Balancing housing needs without green belt sacrifice remains key. Bacon’s stance positions Bromley as a test case.

Ongoing consultations and surveys sustain momentum. Residents’ voices, backed by MPs like Bacon, could sway outcomes.

The controversy underscores tensions between national housing goals and local realities. As Bromley resists, similar battles loom across outer London. Gareth Bacon’s commitment ensures the fight persists, safeguarding green spaces for future generations.