Orpington Residents Raise Alarm Over New High Street Bar Plans

The London Borough of Bromley is currently addressing significant community concerns regarding a proposed new high street bar in Orpington. Residents fear the establishment will cause "significant nuisance" to the local area.

The Details

The Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar, located at 140 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0JS, has applied for a new premises licence from Bromley Council. The application seeks permission to operate from 11am to midnight Sunday to Thursday, and until 1:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. This location previously housed the Orpington Design Centre.

A total of 20 objections have been lodged against the proposal. These objections come from local residents, The Knoll Residents Association, ward councillors, and various council bodies, including the Metropolitan Police and Bromley Council's own licensing team. Bromley Council's licensing team has recommended a full refusal of the application. They highlighted concerns about the bar's large outdoor space, capable of hosting 50 customers, and noted that the premises owners had undertaken "significant development works... without planning permission."

Community Impact

Residents have expressed fears that the new bar would "place late night revellers within family streets" and make the area "unsafe for locals". Concerns include potential late-night noise, disturbance, intoxicated individuals, and anti-social behaviour impacting the wellbeing and safety of children. The Knoll Residents Association conducted a poll, revealing 94 per cent opposition from 182 responses received.

Planning Your Visit

The proposed Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar is situated at 140 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0JS. The nearest TfL station is Orpington railway station, which is in Travelcard Zone 6 and served by Southeastern and Thameslink services.

Source Verification

This report is based on data from Bromley Council's Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on April 17, 2026, and related local news reports.

Source Link: https://www.bromley.gov.uk/info/20000/business/116/licensing_sub-committee_meetings

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