David Lloyd Beckenham car park plans split opinion

Proposals to expand the car park at David Lloyd Beckenham have been met with huge backlash from residents in the area, racking up a total of 553 objections.

Many of those who have opposed the scheme on Bromley Council's planning portal are David Lloyd members themselves, and have raised concerns that the club is encouraging new members at a time when they claim the facilities are already "overcrowded".

The plans involve creating 133 extra parking spaces and a new junior football pitch on a green space next to the leisure centre.

In the planning statement, the club said that parking demand surveys issued in May 2025 showed the site was "over capacity and causing on-street parking overspill".

However, many members objecting to the proposal said they have not had an issue with parking, but instead with demand on the leisure facilities themselves.

The field where David Lloyd are hoping to build the car park extension (Image: Contributor)

One member said: "I’ve been a member of David Lloyd since it opened, each year it increases the membership & it is currently over-capacity.

"I feel sorry for the residents who are already inconvenienced by some very poor driving.

"They should not have to lose the precious green space for yet more ugly car park."

Another member added: "This is pure greed.

"They could keep the green space by staggering classes and activities across the whole day to ease pressure on current car park spaces.

"This is another way simply to take on more members."

While part of the development site is proposed to be used for a new junior football pitch, some of those who commented on the plans argued that the entire space should be reserved for young people to enjoy - suggesting ideas such as a sports area or playground.

Many of the concerns raised by both residents and members were around the potential impact on the environment and pollution in the area.

One resident said: "The green space which they plan to build on is full of nature.

"There are foxes, birds and other wildlife living to the side who would lose their habitat and home.

"Additional parking would ruin this, would increase pollution, traffic and noise."

Another added: "More cars means more pollution and reducing green space.

"It’s an awful idea for the environment."

However, of the 1,051 comments about the scheme on the council's planning page, 493 came out in support of the application.

Many welcomed the "brilliant opportunity" to ease pressure on parking and surrounding roads.

One person said: "I would support this proposal - it is evident that more parking is needed for the club and surrounding area.

"It would just make life and accessibility much more easier and less stressful."

A David Lloyd member commented: "Additional parking is required, especially for disabled people.

"I can barely walk but benefit from keeping my body moving and using the available facilities.

"There are not enough disabled parking spots."

A spokesperson from David Lloyd Clubs told the News Shopper: "We are working closely with the local authorities to ensure the plans are carefully considered, with appropriate measures in place to minimise impact on the surrounding environment.

"The proposed car park extension is intended to improve accessibility and reduce parking on the surrounding roads by our members."

What's your view on the plans? Let us know in the comments.