Several residents contacted us with concerns for two planning applications which were submitted for Hampton on Hawkhirst Road in Kenley.
While we recognise the demand for new housing, as your local councillors, we’ve also been working hard to make sure Kenley’s suburban character isn’t lost to overdevelopment. That’s why we welcomed Mayor Perry’s decision to scrap SPD2—a move that brought real relief to many residents. This ensures that high-quality design and the protection of local character are once again at the heart of planning decisions.
We referred the first application to the Planning Committee back in September which was then refused (25/01540/FUL). The applicant sent this to appeal and also lodged a second application which we also referred to committee (25/03658/FUL). The Planning Committee also refused this application on 9th April 2026.
Ola spoke at both Committee Meetings. At tonight’s meeting he outlined why the application should be refused. In brief, these fell into three main categories:
1. Overdevelopment and Loss of Suburban Character: The proposed development of six dwellings on a modest corner plot constitutes an over-intensive use of the land, undermining the established suburban character of Hawkhirst Road. This contravenes Policy DM10.1, which expects new developments to positively respond to the street layout, plot widths, and form of neighbouring buildings. Additionally, Policy DM10.7 is breached, as the density and reduced garden depths result in a loss of open suburban quality.
2. Impact on Character: The development does not reflect the prevailing grain, spacing, and pattern of surrounding housing. The massing, height, and visual relationship between Units 5 and 6 is overbearing. The result is an overly dominant block at the southern end of the site. This fails Policy DM10.6, which requires developments to avoid overbearing or bulky forms that disrupt the visual harmony of the area. Furthermore, Policies DM10.7 are breached due to the abrupt transition between built forms and poor integration into the surrounding context.
3. Impact on Highways and Pedestrian Safety: The proposal introduces multiple new crossovers along Hawkhirst Road without clear demonstration of compliant visibility splays or safety measures. These crossovers are angled and closely spaced near junctions, raising safety risks. This is contrary to Policy DM29, which requires safe and efficient access for vehicles and pedestrians. The insufficient parking provision will undoubtedly have a negative impact on parking overflow on Hawkhirst Road.
If you’d like to see the application in more detail, review https://publicaccess3.croydon.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for planning application number 25/03658/FUL.
