Once again a planning application is before us for the construction of a new building to create 5 flats to the rear of Remy Court 17 South Park Hill Road including a 1 x 3 bedroom flat, 3 x Studio flats and 1 x 1 bedroom flat with bin store and bike store and amenity space for the existing flats.
I have set out below some of the changes to the road in terms of development which has had a dramatic affect on the local infrastructure, parking and Highways.
At Number 11 a new development of a three/four storey building comprising 1 studio, 4 two bedroom and 1 three bedroom flats
At Number 7 a new development construction of 3-storey residential building at rear comprising 9 units (6 x 2 bed and 3 x 3 bed flats) with associated car parking, cycle storage, amenity space and refuse storage, and refurbishment of existing building with associated external alterations.
At Number 54 demolition of existing buildings; erection of three storey building with accommodation in roof space comprising 2 three bedroom, 4 two bedroom and 2 one bedroom flats; erection of garage block and bin store; formation of vehicular access and provision of associated parking
At Number 56 Demolition of the existing house and erection of an apartment block comprising 8 no. apartments, together with cycle storage, amenity space, a refuse/ recycling store and landscaping
At Number 58 - Erection of two storey building at rear comprising 2 two bedroom flats.
Over many years South Park Hill road has changed dramatically with new builds (mainly flats) replacing Victorian Housing, this has been encouraged by the Labour Administration in Croydon allegedly giving "carte blanche" to developers who wish to target home owners with lucrative deals for their property
The South Croydon Councillors have a strategy of informing local residents through delivering leaflets in the area so residents can comment on the planning application and if necessary ask one of the Councillors to refer the application to Committee.
At present even with Councillors referral and statements by a resident Association or individual{s} who are opposing, an application is rarely refused, with residents commenting that the process is allegedly flawed in favour of development. I have never in all my years as a Councillor seen such a rapid intensification of new homes in South Croydon. I have referred many applications across the ward, in particular Croham Valley Road which has seen a mass of developments to the detriment of many residents.
I am not against flats, they are a home for many families, but careful consideration must be taken to ensure where new flats are built and how new homes affect the street scene and neighbouring properties.
The question is how can this process be slowed or even stopped? In 2022 the residents of Croydon have the opportunity to elect a new administration, only a Conservative administration can view applications on merit and ensure that residents views are taken seriously into account.
If you wish to comment on the application in South Park Hill then please use this link
https://publicaccess3.croydon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDet…;
