Hayes Farm development plan - Hundreds turn out for protest walk

A community‑led protest walk drew more than 500 residents on March 22 in opposition to a proposal to build more than 2,000 homes on Hayes Farm and surrounding green space.

The walk, organised by campaigners Colleen Dunphy and Michelle Brinkley, founders of the Wilder Kent Award‑winning Keep Bromley Green campaign, far surpassed earlier expectations of 80 to 100 attendees.

The demonstration formed part of ongoing efforts to oppose early proposals from Berkeley Homes, which is exploring plans for around 2,200 homes across Hayes Farm and parts of Norman Park, a large stretch of protected green belt between Bromley Common, Hayes and Bromley town centre.

The potential scheme was presented to residents at a public exhibition in late 2025, and promotional leaflets have since circulated locally.

A public demonstration against the plans (Image: Colleen Dunphy)

A petition has gained more than 11,000 signatures on a Change.org petition, alongside public support from councillors and the area’s MP.

The walk attracted a wide range of community groups, including the Hayes Village Association, Friends of the Earth Bromley and several local conservation and residents’ groups.

According to organisers, the turnout reached 500–600 people, with residents joined by councillors from multiple parties, Bromley Council leader Colin Smith, and MP Peter Fortune, who gave an interview at the walk’s final stop at The George pub in Hayes.

Participants heard from a series of speakers representing local groups, and an ecologist accompanied the route to explain the environmental significance of the green belt land.

Organisers described the atmosphere as “an amazing turnout”, crediting strong weather and community determination as hundreds of residents walked the full route in protest at what they describe as the loss of “prime green belt land”.

The works have been proposed for green belt land in Hayes. (Image: Colleen Dunphy)

“We were absolutely blown away by the turnout,” Colleen said. “We expected maybe 80 people, and instead more than 500 residents came out to defend our green belt. It shows just how strongly this community feels.”

Colleen added that campaigners were “not against building housing”, but that residents are concerned about the potential loss and impact on the ecological environment of the land.

In response, a spokesperson for Berkeley said the proposals could help address Bromley’s “severe housing and homelessness crisis,” delivering private and affordable homes while opening fenced‑off land to create “around 50 acres of public green space” and new pedestrian routes.

The developer added that it remains committed to extensive consultation with residents as plans evolve.

The spokesperson added: “This carefully designed neighbourhood would be sustainably located within walking distance to local train stations and Bromley town centre, offering a mix of new pedestrian routes, parkland, children’s play space and enhanced natural habitats.

“As with all our projects, we are committed to a genuine and thorough consultation process. We are actively engaging with local residents, community groups and stakeholders to understand their priorities and concerns.

“This has included both digital and in‑person consultation events, as well as online surveys to ensure people can share their views in the way that suits them best.

"These conversations are already shaping our thinking, and we will continue to listen closely as the proposals evolve.”