I write with another periodic update of more recent good news on local planning matters. I have continued to work successfully with Mayor Jason Perry to safeguard the character of our area and protect family homes.
I know many residents share my view that, while some new flats are needed (especially for younger people trying to get on the property ladder for the first time) we should not be destroying family homes, which local families need, or changing the character of green suburbs like ours to build them. New flats are better suited to places like Croydon town centre, city centres and brownfield sites.
Local objections to over-development – including mine as our local MP and those of local Residents’ Associations and councillors as well as individual residents – continue to now be listened to under Croydon’s new planning approach, and applications to destroy family homes and replace them with blocks of flats are now almost always rejected after proper consideration.
For far too long in Croydon, the previous Labour Council used to just wave through nearly every application with barely a moment’s consideration. By granting indiscriminate planning applications, often destroying family homes and concreting over green spaces to make way for the over-intensive flats, they risked changing the green character of many neighbourhoods in our area and reduce the number of houses available for families.
Below is an update of some recent very positive planning decisions, where inappropriate applications have been declined.
For a variety of reasons, these proposals were clearly inappropriate for these sites in our local neighbourhoods and I shared residents’ concerns about them, so I am pleased to see that all of these applications have been refused.
I remain delighted to see planning decisions in Croydon now being made properly, only after careful consideration, and with respect for the character of our local areas.
Rt Hon Chris Philp MP
Member of Parliament for Croydon South
Kenley:
- The Retreat 14 Zig Zag Road, Kenley, CR8 5EL (24/01877/OUT)
Proposed conversion of a semi-detached family home into two flats, with construction of four houses in the back garden. Refused due to being overbearing and overly dominant to neighbours, and providing inadequate living conditions.
Result: Refused permission
Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown:
- 12 Broomhall Road, Purley Oaks, CR2 0PX (24/01472/FUL)
Proposed loss of a family home into a six-bed House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO). Refused due to the loss of a family home, inadequate, substandard and cramped accommodation, and both refuse and fire safety concerns.
Result: Refused permission
Sanderstead:
- 8 West Hill, Sanderstead, CR2 0SA (24/01843/FUL)
Proposed destruction of a family home to construct six houses. Refused due to over-development of the site, and being out of character with the street and detrimental and overbearing to neighbours.
Result: Refused permission 1 Shaw Crescent, Sanderstead, CR2 9JB (24/02561/LP)
Proposed loss of a family home to use as supported housing for up to six children or persons aged 16-21. Refused due to the proposed facility not being able to operate within what would be expected by a single home.
Result: Refused Lawful Development Certificate
