This week in Croydon:

Housing Development Sparks Debate: Hotel Approved on Brighton Road, Residential Plans for Lansdowne Road Under Review

The Croydon Planning Committee convened on Thursday 3 September 2026, with a packed agenda focusing on significant development proposals across the borough. The most contentious issue was the approval of an outline planning permission for a six-storey hotel on Brighton Road, South Croydon, a decision that drew strong objections from ward councillors and residents who favoured residential development. Meanwhile, plans for a large residential scheme north of Lansdowne Road were presented for pre-application feedback, highlighting the council's ongoing efforts to shape the borough's future housing landscape.

Hotel Development on Brighton Road Approved Despite Resident Concerns

The committee granted outline planning permission for a six-storey hotel building at 1A Brighton Road, South Croydon, CR2 6EA. While the scale of the development was deemed acceptable due to its similarity to previously approved schemes, the decision to favour a hotel over much-needed housing was a point of contention.

Councillor Danielle Denton, the referring ward councillor, voiced strong objections, highlighting the site's location in flood zones 2 and 3 and expressing a preference for family homes. She argued that a hotel would rob the South Croydon Ward of much-needed family homes and affordable family homes for our residents. Officers, however, pointed out that hotel use is policy-compliant in town centres with good transport links and that the scale had been previously approved, making refusal on these grounds difficult to sustain at appeal.

Despite concerns about flood risk, officers noted that the Environmental Agency had no objection due to the absence of sleeping accommodation at ground and basement levels. The committee also debated the potential for the hotel to be used for temporary housing, but officers assured them that conditions would restrict its use to Hotel C1 and limit stays to 90 days per year.

• Why this matters: This decision highlights the tension between the council's need to meet housing targets and its obligations to support town centre vitality through commercial development. For residents, the approval of a hotel over housing means a missed opportunity to increase the availability of family homes in an area where they are desperately needed. The flood risk concerns also underscore the importance of robust planning for climate resilience.

Link to Planning Committee meeting

Large-Scale Residential Development Proposed for Land North of Lansdowne Road

The committee received a pre-application presentation for a significant residential development on land north of Lansdowne Road, Croydon, CR0 2NF. The proposal, from Croydon Gateway Limited Partnership, aims to deliver two residential buildings comprising 268 market-sale homes, ground-floor commercial space, and extensive landscaping. This development is intended to be the final piece of the Ruskin Square Masterplan.

Developers emphasised the scheme's commitment to sustainability, a fabric-first approach, and 100% electrical heating. They also highlighted the creation of new public realm and the retention of mature trees. However, ward councillors raised concerns about the low percentage of affordable housing, with one stating it was quite disappointing. Questions were also raised about potential congestion and the viability of the commercial element, with councillors suggesting flexibility for community space if commercial uses prove unviable.

• Why this matters: This pre-application discussion offers a glimpse into a major future development in Croydon. The focus on market-sale homes, rather than build-to-rent, signals a potential shift in housing strategy. However, the ongoing debate about affordable housing provision remains a critical issue, impacting the diversity and accessibility of new developments for all residents.

Link to Planning Sub-Committee meeting

New Bungalow Approved in Purley

In a less contentious decision, the committee granted planning permission for a detached bungalow at 47 Graham Road, Purley, CR8 2EN. This revised application addressed previous refusals by significantly reducing the scale and massing of the proposed dwelling, ensuring it appeared subservient to the host dwelling. Concerns about overlooking and privacy were addressed by the revised design and site layout.

• Why this matters: This decision demonstrates how developers can successfully revise plans to address planning concerns, leading to the addition of a new home in Purley. It also shows the importance of considering the impact on neighbours and ensuring new developments are in keeping with the existing character of an area.

Link to Planning Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

The committee also noted a list of planning decisions made by officers under delegated powers since the last meeting. These decisions cover a range of smaller developments and householder applications across the borough.

This week in Croydon:

Pension Fund Sees Strong Investment Returns Amidst Policy Reviews

The Pension Board met on Wednesday 26 August 2026 to review the financial performance of the Croydon Pension Fund and discuss updates to key governance policies. The Fund reported a robust investment performance for the 2025/26 financial year, with net assets growing to £2.145 billion.

Pension Fund's Financial Health and Investment Performance

The London Borough of Croydon Pension Fund's Annual Report for 2025/26 revealed a significant increase in net assets, which grew by £182 million to reach a total of £2.145 billion. The Fund's investments yielded a return of 10.3% over the year, outperforming its benchmark of CPI + 4% by a considerable 2.8 percentage points. This strong performance is vital for ensuring the long-term security of pensions for council employees and retirees.

• Why this matters: A healthy pension fund is crucial for the financial well-being of current and future pensioners. Strong investment returns help to ensure that the fund can meet its obligations without placing undue burden on council taxpayers.

Link to Pension Board meeting

Policy Updates to Enhance Governance and Compliance

The Board also considered several policy reviews, including updates to the Representation Policy, Conflicts of Interest Policy, Data Improvement Policy, and Pension Administration Strategy. These reviews are driven by new statutory requirements under the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (Governance) Regulations 2026.

The revised policies aim to:

• Ensure compliance with evolving legislation and guidance from The Pensions Regulator (TPR).
• Improve the diversity and effectiveness of governance bodies.
• Strengthen procedures for managing conflicts of interest.
• Enhance data quality for accurate record-keeping and reporting.

• Set clear performance standards for pension administration.

• Why this matters: Robust governance and clear policies are essential for the responsible management of public funds. These updates demonstrate the council's commitment to transparency, accountability, and good stewardship of the pension fund, which ultimately benefits scheme members and the wider community.

Link to Pension Board meeting

This week in Croydon:

Homes Approved: New Flats in Kenley and a Dwelling in South Croydon

Croydon Council's Planning Committee met on Thursday 20 August 2026, granting permission for new housing developments that will add to the borough's housing stock.

Six New Flats Approved for Hayes Lane, Kenley

The committee granted planning permission for the erection of a two-storey development comprising six flats at 233 Hayes Lane, Kenley, CR8 5HN. This development includes seven parking spaces and cycle parking.

While the proposal is slightly taller and offers one more flat than a previously approved scheme for five flats, officers noted that the footprint remains the same. The revised unit mix includes four one-bedroom flats, one three-bedroom flat, and one four-bedroom flat. Concerns were raised by a resident about the impact on outlook and potential overlooking, as well as the site's character in relation to the predominantly single-storey dwellings in the immediate vicinity. However, the committee was satisfied that the proposal, with its increased setbacks and a Section 106 agreement to secure sustainable transport contributions, addressed previous concerns and would not result in materially greater harm than the already approved development.

• Why this matters: Approving new homes is a key council objective, aiming to address housing shortages. This decision adds six new homes, including family-sized units, to Kenley. The process also shows how previous planning decisions and resident feedback can influence revised proposals.

Link to Planning Committee meeting

New Dwelling Granted Permission for Warren Road, South Croydon

Permission was also granted for a new dwelling at 26 Warren Road, South Croydon, CR2 0JJ. The approved development is a single-storey dwelling with roof accommodation, including six parking spaces and cycle parking.

The application had been revised from a previous proposal for a two-storey building, with the current scheme reduced in height and set back from neighbouring boundaries. A resident objected, raising concerns about site levels, separation distances, and the retention of community garden space. However, officers clarified that the site levels were not considered significant and that the proposed boundary treatment would ensure no mutual overlooking. The applicant's agent highlighted that the revised scheme addressed previous concerns about outlook and the absence of a car-free development mechanism, with a Section 106 agreement securing car-free development and contributions to sustainable travel.

• Why this matters: This decision adds another home to South Croydon. The debate around the development highlights the careful balancing act the council performs, weighing the need for new housing against the impact on existing residents and neighbourhood character.

Link to Planning Committee meeting

Licensing Application for Brigstock Road Premises Cancelled

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 19 August 2026, which was to consider a premises licence application for 36 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 8RX, has been cancelled.

The application sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. The report pack indicated that the application had attracted objections from the Metropolitan Police and a local resident, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder and the premises' location within a Cumulative Impact Area¹.

• What this means for you: While this specific application will not proceed at this time, the concerns raised by the police and residents regarding late-night alcohol sales in cumulative impact areas are a recurring theme in licensing decisions. These areas are closely monitored to prevent increased crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly impacting vulnerable residents.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

How Local Government Works: The Role of Planning Committees

The recent Planning Committee meetings offer a clear insight into how local government makes decisions that shape our neighbourhoods.

• What they do: Planning Committees are responsible for deciding on planning applications for new developments, such as homes, businesses, and extensions. They consider applications against the council's Local Plan¹ and national planning policies, balancing the need for development with the protection of the environment, amenity of residents, and the character of the area.
• Who is involved: Committee members are elected councillors who are trained in planning law and policy. They hear from planning officers, who provide expert advice, and from applicants and objectors, including residents and community groups.
• The process: Applications are presented with detailed reports outlining the proposal, relevant policies, and officer recommendations. Speakers have the opportunity to present their views before councillors debate the issues and vote on the application.
• Impact: The decisions made by Planning Committees have a direct and lasting impact on our streets, our environment, and the quality of life in Croydon. They influence everything from the number of homes built to the design of new buildings and the protection of green spaces.

This week in Croydon:

Licensing Decisions: Concerns Over Late-Night Refreshment and Alcohol Sales

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 13 August 2026 to consider two applications that raised concerns about potential noise, disorder, and public nuisance.

Fast-Food Takeaway's Late-Night Hours Under Scrutiny

An application for a premises licence for Metro's, a fast-food takeaway at 35 Portland Road, South Norwood, SE25 4UF, was discussed. The applicant sought permission to serve late-night refreshment between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM daily.

The Metropolitan Police Service initially raised concerns about the potential impact on crime and disorder, particularly due to the premises' location within a Cumulative Impact Area¹. However, an agreement was reached between the applicant, Dinushan Varatharasa, and the police. This agreement includes conditions such as customer access restrictions after midnight, enhanced CCTV, an incident log, and specific conditions for delivery riders. The Metropolitan Police withdrew their objection based on these agreed conditions, which also allow for an online-only policy after midnight if complaints of anti-social behaviour or crime arise.

Councillor Melanie Felten, the local ward councillor, also submitted concerns regarding the potential impact on residents' amenities and the exacerbation of existing late-night anti-social behaviour in the area.

Convenience Store's Alcohol Sales Raise Resident Objections

The committee also considered an application for a premises licence for Ryan's Local, a convenience store at 358 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon, CR0 7AF. The applicant, Ms. Rosani Rajaratnam, requested permission to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption until 11:30 PM on Sundays to Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Local residents objected to the proposed hours, citing concerns about potential disturbance and anti-social behaviour due to the late licensing hours in a residential area with flats above the store. Their objections referenced the Croydon Council Statement of Licensing Policy² regarding cumulative impact and the prevention of public nuisance. The applicant agreed to implement a Challenge 25 scheme³ and other measures to promote licensing objectives.

• What this means for you: Decisions on licensing applications directly affect the character of our neighbourhoods and the potential for noise and disturbance. These cases highlight how resident concerns about late-night operations can lead to negotiations and the imposition of conditions to mitigate negative impacts, particularly in residential areas or those identified as having a cumulative impact on crime and disorder.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting