The Planning Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 11 January 2024, to discuss and decide on several planning applications. The committee granted permission for a large mixed-use development in Dingwall Road and for a new housing development in Hollymeoak Road.

Planning Applications for Decision

21/02431/FUL - Development Site, Former Site Of 17 - 21 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR0 2NA

The committee granted planning permission for a significant mixed-use development at the former site of 17-21 Dingwall Road¹. The development will range from 9 to 28 storeys and will include 199 residential units, a healthcare facility (Use Class Ee), disabled car parking, cycle parking, and associated amenity and landscaping.

During the discussion, members raised several points:

• Affordable Housing: Concerns were noted regarding the low percentage of affordable housing (9% by habitable room), with the GLA having previously expressed concerns about this falling short of the 35% threshold. However, independent viability assessments indicated that the scheme was in deficit, making it unviable to provide more affordable housing. The Section 106 agreement includes early and late-stage review mechanisms to capture any future increases in profit that could be translated into additional affordable housing. The committee acknowledged that while this fell short of local and London Plan targets, it was considered the maximum reasonable provision given the scheme's viability challenges and the inclusion of the healthcare facility.
• Healthcare Facility: The inclusion of a healthcare facility was welcomed, as confirmed by the NHS to be a local need. The facility's fit-out and specific use would be determined in collaboration with the NHS and secured by condition.
• Design and Townscape: The proposed height and massing were considered acceptable within the context of Croydon's Metropolitan Centre, aligning with the extant permission for a tall building on the site. The design, appearance, and materiality were deemed to be of high quality, contributing positively to the street scene.
• Transport and Parking: The development is in a highly accessible location (PTAL 6b), and the proposal is largely car-free, with only three blue badge parking spaces provided. While this falls short of London Plan policy requirements for disabled parking, it was deemed acceptable due to site constraints and the excellent public transport accessibility. Financial contributions were secured for sustainable transport improvements and upgrades to the public transport network.
• Environmental Impacts: The scheme was found to be air quality neutral and incorporated measures to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, meeting London Plan energy targets. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) were included, and Thames Water confirmed no objection regarding surface water capacity, although water network upgrades were noted as a potential necessity.
• Wind Tunnel Effect: While a concern due to the surrounding tall buildings, the assessment indicated that the proposed mitigation measures, including perimeter screens, would ensure safety and comfort levels.
• Neighbouring Amenity: The development was assessed to have no harmful impact on the daylight, sunlight, outlook, or privacy of neighbouring properties.

Councillor Michael Neal, Chair of the Planning Committee, used his casting vote to grant permission after the vote was tied.

23/02918/FUL - 29-31 Hollymeoak Road CR5 3QA

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of existing dwellings at 29-31 Hollymeoak Road² and the erection of an eight-family dwelling development. The proposal includes a two-storey development with accommodation in the roof space, new access, 12 parking spaces, refuse and recycling stores, secure cycle parking, and communal landscaped amenity space.

Key points raised during the discussion included:

• Design and Character: While acknowledging previous refusals for similar developments on the site due to concerns about design, scale, and massing being out of keeping with the area, members noted that the current proposal had been significantly improved. The stepped design and reduced height were considered more in keeping with the street scene and the established rhythm of properties stepping down the slope. The buildings were designed to appear as large detached properties from the street, respecting the suburban character of Hollymeoak Road.
• Parking and Highway Safety: The proposal provides 12 parking spaces, which meets the maximum requirement for a PTAL 0 rated area according to the London Plan. While residents raised concerns about insufficient parking and highway safety due to the road's narrowness and curve, the Highways Officer confirmed that the required sightlines could be achieved with minor adjustments to hedging. The increase in vehicle movements was deemed not to cause significant highway danger.
• Neighbouring Amenity: The development was assessed to have an acceptable impact on neighbouring properties, with appropriate separation distances and conditions for obscure glazing and restrictions on the use of flat roofs as amenity areas to prevent overlooking.
• Housing Mix: The development would provide six family homes, which were noted as a need in the local area.
• Sustainability: The proposal included permeable paving for driveways and parking areas to assist with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and conditions would ensure appropriate flood risk management measures.

Councillor Mario Creatura, the ward member, spoke against the application, highlighting concerns about the impact on the character of the area and highway safety. However, the committee ultimately voted to grant permission, with nine members voting in favour and one against.

Weekly Planning Decisions

The committee noted the weekly planning decisions list, which detailed decisions made under delegated powers and by the Planning Committee/Subcommittee between 13 November 2023 and 31 December 2023.