News

Bromley Lane Roadworks: 19 October to 7 November

Bromley Council plans to carry out highway improvement works on Bromley Lane (A222), right by the entrance to Kemnal Road. The works are due to run from 9am on Monday 19 October until 5pm on Saturday 7 November 2026.

The works cover about 150 metres of Bromley Lane, from the Royal Parade and Centre Common Road junction to just past the Kemnal Road and The Shaw junction. The map above shows the exact stretch (click it for a larger version).

There will be multi-way temporary traffic lights for some or all of this period, and both the road and the pavement will be affected. Expect delays, especially at peak times, and when turning into and out of Kemnal Road.

The Council has only a provisional permit so far, so the dates may still change, and work may start later or finish sooner than planned. It has not published daily working hours or said what the improvements involve. We will post any update here.

The works reference is BF00440544309. You can follow the details on StreetGuide or search for the reference on one.network. Questions about the works should go to Bromley Council's Highways team via bromley.gov.uk.

Please allow a little extra time for your journeys and take care when passing the work area.

Annual General Meeting: Friday 11 September 2026

This year's AGM will be held at 7pm on Friday 11 September 2026 at The Old Chapel, 3 Queens Passage, Chislehurst. All residents are welcome.

The meeting will hold a formal consultation and vote on new entrance signage. The existing "Kemnal Road / Private Road" sign is looking tired, and the Committee has prepared two visualisations to enhance the entrance. Both mock-ups will be on display at the meeting. Come and tell us which you prefer, or email your view in advance to hello@kemnalresidents.org.

You will also hear from your Committee on the year's works and see how your subscriptions have been used. Please do join us.

KRA Summer Newsletter

Our 2026 Newsletter is now available, covering this year's road works, repairs, entrance signage, finances, charitable status, and more.

You'll find the PDF attached here. A printed copy will also be delivered to all homes on Kemnal Road in the coming days.

Thank you to all who continue to support the care and upkeep of our road.

Thames Water Works: Marlowe Close

Thames Water are carrying out works near Marlowe Close which will cause partial traffic obstruction on Kemnal Road. The works are expected to last approximately 3 days. Residents are advised to allow extra time for journeys and to use alternative routes where possible during peak hours.

KRA Summer Newsletter

The 2025 summer newsletter is now available. This year's edition covers the completed tree works programme, pothole repairs across the road, our financial position, and progress towards obtaining charitable status for the Association.

Annual General Meeting: Friday 4 July 2025

The AGM will be held at 7pm at Willett House (Mission Care), Kemnal Road. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. We are actively recruiting two new committee members, ideally from the northern section of the road or the side roads. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact the Secretary at secretary@kemnalresidents.org.

Tree Works

Our annual tree works programme is now complete. This year's works included lifting canopies to improve sightlines, removing dead and fallen trees, and clearing growth around lampposts and kerbsides. All works were funded by resident contributions through the annual subscription.

Pothole Repairs

A total of 28 potholes covering 106 square metres have been repaired, with work progressing from the south end of the road northward. The repairs were funded entirely by resident contributions. We are grateful to all residents who pay their annual subscription, which makes this essential maintenance possible.

The Story of Kemnal Road: A Gift to Our Residents

Tony Allen, a resident of Kemnal Road for 38 years and former Chairman of The Chislehurst Society, has generously donated 19 copies of the 5th edition of his book The Story of Kemnal Road. This remarkable work documents the road's history from the medieval Kemnal Manor to the present day. To request a copy, please email secretary@kemnalresidents.org.

Level of Subscription

The committee has proposed an increase in the annual subscription from £55 to £95 (equivalent to £1.83 per week). At the time of this proposal, only £2,531 remained in the Association's reserves, insufficient to cover a single significant road repair. The question of whether Bromley Council could adopt the road has been explored, but this option remains unlikely given the council's own financial pressures. Resident contributions remain our only means of maintaining the road to a safe and presentable standard.

Road Repairs

In autumn 2022, a significant section of the road opposite Acorn Close collapsed due to failed rainwater drains beneath the surface. Thames Water were contacted but declined responsibility, asserting the drains were private. Dukes contractors completed the necessary repairs in April 2023 at a cost of £18,843, a major expense that highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate reserves.

Trees on Kemnal Road

A reminder that Kemnal Road lies within the Chislehurst Conservation Area. All trees are protected and residents must give 6 weeks' notice to Bromley Council before carrying out any tree work, including pruning. Specific woodlands on the road are also subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Fines for unauthorised tree work can be as high as £20,000. If in doubt, please contact the council's tree officer or the Association before undertaking any works.