This week in Croydon:

New Homes Approved in South Croydon Despite Resident Objections

The Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to consider a planning application for a new detached dwelling at Land to the Rear of 164 Pampisford Road, South Croydon, CR2 6DA. While the application was ultimately recommended for approval, it faced significant opposition from local residents and was the subject of considerable debate regarding its scale, massing, and impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.

A Contentious Development

The proposal, reference 25/02957/FUL, sought permission for a two-storey detached three-bedroom dwelling with accommodation in the roof space and a basement level. The site, a vacant plot of land, has a history of refused planning applications and dismissed appeals, primarily due to concerns about its scale and dominance within the street scene.

Objectors, including local resident Joyce DeCosta, argued that the development remained materially unchanged from previous refusals and would be overly dominant and harmful to the character of Barnard's Place. They highlighted that the proposed dwelling, despite a minor reduction in height, would still be too close to neighbouring properties, creating a cramped and intrusive form of development contrary to local and London Plan policies. Concerns were also raised about increased parking stress and congestion in the narrow cul-de-sac, impacting pedestrian safety and access for emergency vehicles.

However, the applicant, Joy Mudhaven, presented a case for the development, stating that the proposed dwelling was designed to be subservient to the adjacent building and would integrate well with the existing street scene. They argued that the site had been previously approved for a garage and a flat development, and that the current proposal was a more appropriate use of the land.

Councillor Alistair Stewart, a referring ward councillor, echoed the objectors' concerns, stating that the application represented the latest inappropriate development on this site and that the sheer scale and massing remained unacceptable. He pointed to the low ceiling heights in the basement, which did not meet London Plan requirements, and argued that the benefits of the new dwelling did not outweigh the identified harm.

Committee Deliberations

The committee members engaged in a lengthy discussion, weighing the applicant's case and the officers' recommendation for approval against the significant concerns raised by residents and the referring councillor.

Councillor Lara Fish expressed reservations, stating that while she could see some positives, the negatives outweigh what I can see. She felt the application had not gone far enough to address the previously refused applications, particularly regarding the scale and massing, and that the rear dormer appeared more overbearing than the previous applications.

Councillor Appu Srinivasan, however, felt that the application had ticked all the boxes and intended to support it, acknowledging the natural constraints of garden development.

Councillor Sean Fitzsimons voiced concerns about the parking provision, particularly the five-metre depth for parking spaces, which he felt was inadequate for modern vehicles and could lead to cars overhanging the pavement, impacting pedestrian safety. He also questioned the lack of justification for the number of parking spaces and the absence of a comprehensive travel plan.

Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application on the grounds of size and massing, especially around the rear dormer of the property, and the detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area.

Council to Review Members' Allowances Scheme

The General Purposes Committee met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to discuss and recommend changes to the Members' Allowances Scheme for the 2026-27 financial year. The committee unanimously agreed to recommend to Full Council that the scheme be approved, with proposed annual inflationary increases to expenses and an updated dependent carers allowance.

Addressing the Cost of Living for Councillors

The proposed scheme aims to address the growing disparity between expense rates and the rising cost of living. The report noted that expense rates had not been reviewed for at least two decades, leading to a significant gap between what councillors can claim and the actual costs incurred. The proposed inflationary increase, linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is intended to ensure that councillors can recover their expenses without making a profit, preventing individuals of modest income from being deterred from serving.

Councillor Sean Fitzsimons, Chair of the Committee, highlighted the need for expense rates to cover actual costs, stating, whatever organisation one works for, if one incurs a cost in the course of one's duty, one should be able to recover that cost. You're not making a profit on it. It's not a wage. It's just effectively, if you're paying for a hotel, it seems strange that the amount of the allowance cannot cover the costs of the accommodation.

Ongoing Review of Allowances

The committee also noted that a wider review of the Members' Allowance Scheme, encompassing subsistence, hotel costs, and travel, is ongoing. This review will consider issues such as mirroring officer rates for private motor vehicle expenses, the provision for electric vehicles, and the potential for hotel expenses to be based on 'reasonableness' rather than fixed rates. The report indicated that the total expenses claimed by Members in 2023/24 were relatively low, at £1,355, and £1,905 in 2024/25.

The committee's recommendation will now go to Full Council for final approval.

Trinity School Redevelopment Plans Presented

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to receive a pre-application presentation on the proposed redevelopment of Trinity School. The ambitious plans aim to transform the school into a fully co-educational institution by 2031, with significant new facilities for teaching, sports, and a sixth form.

A Vision for Trinity 2030

The proposals, dubbed Trinity 2030, involve the demolition of existing staff accommodation and an estates building, and the construction of new blocks for a sixth form and fitness suite/classrooms. The plans also include alterations to the entrance layout to improve drop-off and pick-up areas, and the reconfiguration of staff and visitor car parking.

The school's expansion to co-education will see pupil numbers increase from 1,050 to 1,398, and staff numbers from 220 to 293. The project aims to create a more welcoming arrival experience, enhance educational and community facilities, and improve the school's landscape and public realm.

Key Considerations and Concerns

The presentation highlighted several key areas of discussion, including:

• Loss of Staff Accommodation: The proposal would lead to the loss of four three-bedroom dwellings used as staff accommodation. While a new permission for four staff units at 208 Addiscombe Road will partially offset this, the committee questioned the certainty of these units being retained for staff.
• Design and Site Layout: The proposed buildings, while generally supported by officers, were noted by the Design Review Panel (DRP) as requiring further refinement in their architectural treatment and materiality. Concerns were raised about the flow and softness between the new buildings.
• Traffic and Parking: The plans include 175 parking spaces and 18 drop-off/pick-up spaces. However, questions were raised about the justification for this number of spaces, the potential impact on surrounding roads, particularly Shirley Road, and the need for a robust travel plan to encourage public transport use. Transport for London (TfL) input was noted as crucial.
• Environmental Impact: The proposals aim for BREEAM Excellence and net-zero carbon, with a strong focus on urban greening and biodiversity net gain.

Next Steps

This was a pre-application discussion, meaning no final decision was made. The applicants will now refine their proposals based on the feedback received before submitting a formal planning application.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee also noted the list of delegated and Planning Committee/Sub-Committee decisions taken between 22 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Scrutiny Homes Sub-Committee on Monday 26 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Appointments & Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday 27 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Health & Wellbeing Board on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Corporate Parenting Board on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Scrutiny Streets & Environment Sub-Committee on Tuesday 27 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Audit & Governance Committee on Thursday 29 January 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Croydon:

Alcohol Licence Sparks Thornton Heath Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met this week to consider an application for a premises licence at 755 London Road, Croydon, CR7 6AW. Sabores de Portugal Ltd has applied for a licence to sell alcohol between 10:00 and 18:00 Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 to 14:00 on Sundays, for consumption both on and off the premises. The applicant describes the business as a café and delicatessen.

Cumulative Impact Area

The premises falls within a Cumulative Impact Area¹ under the council's licensing policy. A representation objecting to the licence application notes that the address falls inside the Thornton Heath Local Centre Cumulative Impact Area, where there is a presumption that any new licence for the sale of alcohol is likely to add to cumulative impact and should therefore be refused unless the applicant can demonstrate exceptional circumstances.

Public Space Protection Order

The representation also notes that the premises are also within the Thornton Heath Area Public Space Protection Order² (PSPO), which prohibits on-street drinking. The representation requests that the Licensing Sub-Committee refuse the application in its entirety.

Proposed Conditions

The report pack includes proposed conditions for the premises, including:

• The installation, operation and maintenance of a fully operational CCTV system.
• The operation of a 'Challenge 25' policy³.
• The keeping of an incident log and a refusals book.
• A restriction on the sale of beer, lager, cider or perry exceeding 6% ABV, with the exception of genuine premium craft/artisan products.
• A requirement that all alcohol be served via table service and consumed whilst seated only.
• A requirement for staff to be given training in relation to the Licensing Act 2003, conflict management and the protection of children from harm.

The sub-committee is able to grant the application, to vary the application, with or without further conditions, or to refuse the application.

Council Assesses Housing Readiness Amidst Complaints Surge

The Housing Assurance Board met this week to discuss the operational performance of housing services, readiness for inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing, and the implementation of Awaab's Law⁴. The board also reviewed the complaints service, which has seen a significant increase in complaints.

Regulator of Social Housing Inspection

The council aims to achieve a C1 rating from the RSH, the highest possible, and has been working towards this goal since the lifting of the RSH's Regulatory Notice in April 2025. The Housing Assurance Board was formed in October 2025 to meet the requirements of new housing regulation and drive the council's aspiration to attain a C1 rating.

The Readiness for Inspection Report 151225 outlines the Housing Improvement Programme, which consolidates data and conclusions from the council's self-assessment and external reviews. The programme has seven workstreams and prioritised projects to address gaps in service provision and embed improvements. Priority 1 projects, considered the biggest risk to non-compliance, include:

• An HRA⁵ Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy
• Accurate data on Decent Homes⁶ and Health and Safety Compliance
• Evidence of acting on the views of tenants
• Improvements to complaints processes
• Good data on tenants and evidence of adjusting service to meet tenants' diverse needs

Awaab's Law Implementation

The Housing Assurance Board is scheduled to discuss the implementation of Awaab's Law. The Implementation of Awaabs Law report states that Croydon Council is committed to delivering on the requirements of Awaab's Law, ensuring that every resident has the right to a safe, dry, and healthy home.

Key commitments include treating all reports of damp and mould as cases, maintaining transparency with residents, and embedding accountability across teams and partners. The council aims to move from reactive to proactive measures through targeted investment, cross-service collaboration, and a resident-first approach.

Complaints Service Under Pressure

The Complaints Service Report 151225 provides an overview of the complaints service performance across the landlord services of the Housing Directorate. The report notes that the council has advised the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) that it will improve and standardise responses, minimise backlogs, and learn from complaints.

Currently, the council is not fully compliant with the Housing Ombudsman Complaints Handling Code, particularly in managing complaints within timescales and following complaint remedies to completion.

The report includes the following data on landlord services:

The report notes that performance is improving in managing complaints within timescales at stage one, with over 66% being managed within timescales year to date compared to 39.1% at the same time in the previous financial year, despite an increase of over 200 complaints.

The annual landlord performance report from the Housing Ombudsman Service reports that the council's maladministration rate of 88% was an increase on the 2023/24 rate of 67%, and is higher than the national rate for landlords of a similar size and type of 80%. In 2024/25, the council received eight findings of severe maladministration (a rate of 10%), which is again higher than the average national averages for landlord by size and type. The Housing Ombudsman have issued three Complaints Handling Failure Orders (CHFO) since April 2025, all for failure to progress complaints in line with the required timescales.

High-Rise Redevelopment and Suburban Housing Projects Advance

The Planning Committee met this week to consider planning applications for the demolition and redevelopment of Woburn Court and Bedford Court on Wellesley Road, as well as the demolition of a house on Woodfield Hill.

Woburn Court and Bedford Court

The proposal involves the construction of four new buildings, ranging from 4 to 32 storeys, to provide residential accommodation under Use Class C3⁷, with flexible commercial/community spaces on the lower levels of Buildings 1 and 2, under Use Classes E, F1, and Sui Generis⁸. The development is scheduled to include:

• 445 new homes
• 1584 sqm of commercial/community spaces
• Communal areas
• Plant rooms
• Cycle and blue badge parking
• Refuse/recycling storage
• A new landscaped square
• Public realm improvements (including the area behind The Elms and along Wellesley Road)
• Play areas
• Access and other associated works

Woodfield Hill

The committee also considered application 25/03244/FUL for the demolition of an existing dwelling and garage at 25 Woodfield Hill, Coulsdon. The proposal is to erect two semi-detached and three detached two-storey dwellinghouses, with associated access, vehicle and cycle parking, refuse storage, and soft landscaping.

Planning Sub-Committee Considers Application for Councillor's Relative

The Planning Sub-Committee met this week to consider a planning application for 32 Olden Lane, Purley. The application, reference number 25/03536/FUL, concerns the erection of an enclosed front porch, with alterations including changes to the fenestration arrangement.

The applicant is named in the Public Reports Pack as Mr Tim Hammersley-Rich. The report pack notes that the application is being reported to the committee because the applicant is related to Councillor Jessica Hammersley-Rich.

The Director of Planning and Sustainable Regeneration has recommended that the planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee noted the list of delegated and Planning Committee/Sub-Committee decisions taken between 24 November 2025 and 7 December 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

There are no upcoming meetings scheduled.

This week in Croydon:

Council Approves Youth Justice Plan Amidst Concerns for Minority Representation

Croydon Council approved the Youth Justice Plan 2025-26 at its meeting on December 10th, outlining strategies to prevent and reduce offending behavior in children aged 10-18. While the plan aims to lower re-offending rates, which are already lower in Croydon than regional and national levels, it also acknowledges the over-representation of children from minority groups and those in care within the youth justice system.

Addressing Disproportionality: A Key Objective

The plan sets out governance arrangements for the Youth Justice Service and includes additional scrutiny to ensure national and local expectations are met. A key objective for 2025/26 is addressing disproportionality, focusing on the over-representation of children from minority groups involved with the Youth Justice Service compared to their proportion in Croydon's overall population.

Equality Strategy Progress Noted, But Challenges Remain

The council also reviewed the Equality Strategy 2023-27 Annual Report, highlighting achievements such as improved translation and accessibility support, inclusive service design, and stronger partnerships with Voluntary, Community and Faith (VCFS) organizations. The council has maintained a 0% gender and disability pay gap and expanded staff networks.

However, priorities for the coming year include addressing leadership representation, succession planning, and inclusive culture. A Green Group Amendment to the report proposed a dedicated Romani (Gypsy), Roma, Irish and Scottish Traveller Strategy, further highlighting the need for targeted support for marginalized communities.

Public Questions Focus on Climate Change and Social Justice

During Croydon Question Time, members of the public raised concerns about climate change, waste management, fly-tipping, and pension fund investments in arms companies. These questions underscore the community's desire for the council to address environmental and social justice issues.

Other Matters

• The council delegated recruitment responsibilities for the Local Pension Board and approved an annual allowance of £5,974.00 for the independent chair. Link to meeting
• The council noted the use of Special Urgency for key decisions, including a temporary workers staffing contract and the Purley Business Improvement District (BID) re-ballot. Link to meeting
• The Croydon Advisory Forum on Active, Sustainable and Accessible Transport discussed town centre regeneration, electric vehicle strategy, and the nationalisation of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). Link to meeting
  • The forum discussed concerns about Zipcar's withdrawal from the UK market and its impact on car sharing initiatives.
  • The forum agreed to discuss pavement parking and accessible bus stops at the next meeting.
• The Pension Committee discussed updates on the Local Government Pension Scheme, performance indicators, and risk management. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 15 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Housing Assurance Board on Monday 15 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Planning Sub-Committee on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Croydon:

Council to Appoint Interim Chief Executive Amidst Financial Challenges

Croydon Council is set to appoint Elaine Jackson as Interim Chief Executive at a Full Council meeting on December 10th Link to meeting, following a recommendation from the Appointments & Disciplinary Committee. This decision comes as the council continues to navigate significant financial challenges and implement its Future Croydon Transformation Programme.

Leadership Continuity During Critical Period

The Appointments & Disciplinary Committee agreed that the 12-month appointment would provide leadership continuity during a period of significant transformation for the council, especially with the upcoming local and mayoral elections in May 2026.

Dean Shoesmith, Chief People Officer, highlighted that the 12-month appointment would allow for an experienced post holder to be in place during the election period and the subsequent recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive.

Mayor Jason Perry, Executive Mayor, added that the proximity of the elections made it best to progress the recruitment after May 2026.

Equality Concerns Addressed

The Report Interim CE December 2025 acknowledged that the interim appointment, being a direct non-competitive process, presents potential implications in relation to equality of opportunity and leadership representation within the Council's workforce. The report stated:

The Council recognises that representation at the chief officer level does not currently reflect the full diversity of the workforce and the communities it serves. This decision has therefore been considered carefully to ensure it remains proportionate, justified, and in the organisation's best interests, given the immediate need for stable leadership during a period of ongoing transformation and Government intervention.

Other Options Considered

The report also detailed other options that were considered, including acting up the substantive Assistant Chief Executive (Ms Jackson), appointing an interim chief executive at a daily rate, appointing an external candidate on a fixed-term contract, recruiting a permanent Chief Executive immediately, and doing nothing.

Cabinet Approves Environmental Enforcement and Conservation Area Plans

The Croydon Council cabinet unanimously approved recommendations on environmental enforcement, conservation areas, transport funding, equality, financial performance, and fees and charges. These decisions aim to address key priorities for residents, including cleaner streets, protected heritage, and sustainable transport.

Crackdown on Environmental Crime

The cabinet noted the progress made in strengthening environmental and regulatory enforcement across the borough since April 2025. Councillor Scott Roche, Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, stated that the administration has listened to residents who want to see firmer, more visible action on the environmental crime .

Recent outcomes include over 100 fixed penalty notices issued for fly-tipping offences, over 1,000 commercial waste inspections, and the confiscation of 70 blue badges.

New Conservation Areas Proposed

The cabinet agreed to progress a comprehensive programme to assess nine new potential conservation areas, including the Whitgift Estate, Crowham Park Estate, and the Fairfield Civic Quarter.

Councillor Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, responded that we could probably do more. That's a function of the resources that we have and the prioritisation that takes place. when asked about enforcement of the protections conferred by these potential future designations.

Transport Funding Secured

The cabinet approved the submission of a request for Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding from Transport for London (TfL) for 2026/27, as well as the allocation of Section 106 funding to support strategic transport projects across the borough. The council is seeking nearly £9 million of investment in transport across the borough.

Street Trading Applications Spark Debate Over Public Space

The Licensing Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss street designation orders and street trading licences, as well as to review the minutes of previous meetings. The committee was also expected to consider applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003.

Allders Parade Application

Mr Steve Johnson applied for a designation to allow for an 80-metre long, 3-metre wide, and 2-metre high display area at Allders Parade, 2-28 North End. He proposed to trade between 8am and 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays, selling external seating, planters, plants and flowers.

Caithness Walk Application

Aminullah Gholam applied for a designation for a mobile vehicle/trailer measuring 3 metres long and 2 metres wide at the junction of Caithness Walk and Lansdowne Road, East Croydon. He proposed to trade between 9am and 9pm, selling street food. The council's Spatial Planning/Highways Division objected to the application, stating that the introduction of a mobile unit would conflict with the objectives and design of the Dingwall Road Town Centre Priority Project, which seeks to enhance connectivity to and from East Croydon Station.

Garden Subdivision Approved Despite Resident Concerns

The Planning Sub-Committee convened to discuss and approve the minutes from their previous meeting and to consider a planning application for the subdivision of a garden and the construction of a new dwelling at 17 Convent Hill, Upper Norwood. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and voted to grant planning permission for the development at 17 Convent Hill, subject to a Section 106 agreement and various conditions.

Resident Objections

Laura Cawthorne, speaking on behalf of objectors and as a resident of 63 Bradley Road, raised concerns about the development's negative impact on neighbouring properties, including loss of privacy, light, and views. She noted that 25 local residents from three streets had objected to the proposal.

Councillor Clare Bonham, a referring ward councillor, also objected to the proposed development, citing concerns about loss of spaciousness, overbearing impact on neighbouring properties, overlooking and harm to privacy due to the location of windows, and light pollution generated from the development.

Committee Approval

Despite the objections, the committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement for sustainable transport contributions and various conditions.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Council on Wednesday 10 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Croydon Advisory Forum on Active, Sustainable and Accessible Transport on Tuesday 09 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Pension Committee on Tuesday 09 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 15 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Housing Assurance Board on Monday 15 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Planning Sub-Committee on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to meeting