Planning is a vital part of neighbourhood regeneration and ensuring a supply of housing for local people. Well-considered applications in suitable locations are always welcomed. As councillors, we review all planning applications submitted in Kenley to assess whether they meet these standards. Where they do not, we either lodge an objection or refer the application to the planning committee for a decision.
Some plots clearly require regeneration to bring them back into use and provide comfortable new homes. At the same time, we want to ensure that any proposals benefit the area and do not negatively affect neighbouring properties.
The plot at 2 Godstone Road has been vacant for many years. Until recently, it was overgrown and prone to fly-tipping, which had a harmful impact on the local area. We are therefore keen to see a proposal that makes good use of the land and doesn’t impact on the already stressed parking in the area. We have reviewed two recent applications for the site and had significant concerns with both, which we formally raised with the planning committee.
Subsequently, planning officers refused permission for the latest application for the ‘Demolition of existing dwelling, the erection of a terrace of 3 x 2 storey dwelling houses (with habitable roofspace), new vehicular access and on-site parking, cycle and refuse storage and associated landscaping’.
The reasons for refusal were as follows:
· The proposal, by reason of its design, layout and massing would be harmful to the character and appearance of the streetscene. The proposal would fail to respect and enhance Croydon's varied local character and contribute positively to the townscape. The proposal would therefore be contrary to Policy D3 of the London Plan (2021), Policies SP4 and DM10 of the Croydon Local Plan (2018), and the provisions of the NPPF
· Unacceptable vehicle access and parking arrangements are proposed which would result in unsafe impacts on the highway, pedestrians and other road users contrary to Policies DM29 and DM30 of the Croydon Local Plan (2018) and Policies T4 and T6 of the London Plan (2021)
· Inadequate information has been submitted to calculate the baseline habitat on site, it has not been demonstrated that the proposed development. The proposed development is therefore contrary to Policies DM27 of the Croydon Local Plan (2018), G6 of the London Plan (2021), the provisions of the NPPF (2024) and Schedule 7A (Biodiversity Gain in England) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
If you’d like to see the reasons for refusal in more detail, review https://publicaccess3.croydon.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for planning application number 25/03312/FUL.
View of the site from Godstone Road
View of the site from Lower Road
