The Planning Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 11 January 2024, to consider several planning applications. The committee granted permission for a significant mixed-use development in Dingwall Road, Croydon, and for a residential development in Hollymeoak Road, Coulsdon.

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

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

During the discussion, members raised several points:

• Affordable Housing: Concerns were expressed about the low percentage of affordable housing (9% by habitable room) and the potential for this to be increased through financial viability reviews. The Greater London Authority (GLA) had previously raised concerns about the affordable housing offer falling short of the 35% target. The committee noted that the GLA's Stage 2 review would be crucial.
• Housing Mix: The predominantly one and two-bedroom unit mix was considered acceptable given the site's central location and high public transport accessibility, although some members felt it did not meet local needs for family housing.
• Healthcare Facility: The inclusion of a healthcare facility was welcomed, aligning with the site's allocation in the Croydon Local Plan and addressing a local need. The NHS had confirmed a general need for floor space in the area.
• Transport and Infrastructure: The development's high Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 6b was acknowledged. The developer was contributing £199,000 towards sustainable transport measures and £110,000 to Transport for London for public transport network improvements. The provision of only three blue badge parking spaces was noted as a shortfall against policy, but deemed acceptable due to the site's accessibility and the limited space available.
• Wind Tunnel Effect: The issue of wind tunnelling on Dingwall Road, exacerbated by the number of high-rise buildings, was raised as a concern, though it was acknowledged that mitigation was difficult and the proposed development was broadly in line with existing consents.
• Daylight and Sunlight: It was noted that lower-level units would have poorer daylight levels, and some single-aspect units would face east or west. However, the overall impact was considered an improvement on the extant consent.
• Fire Safety: The inclusion of a second stair core in both blocks was a necessary improvement in response to updated building regulations.

Councillor Parker proposed granting permission, seconded by Councillor Johnson. The motion was carried by a casting vote from the Chair after an initial vote of five in favour and five against.

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-unit, two-storey residential development with roof accommodation. The proposal includes new access, 12 parking spaces, cycle and refuse storage, and landscaped amenity space.

During the deliberation, members discussed:

• Design and Character: The proposed development was considered an improvement on previous refused applications, with a reduced scale and stepped design that better respected the character of the suburban area. The design was seen as appearing as large detached properties, fitting within the existing pattern of development.
• Housing Need: The development would provide six family homes, which were identified as a need in the local area.
• Highway Safety and Parking: Despite concerns raised by residents and Councillor Mario Creatura³ about the road's narrowness, bend, and existing saturation, the Highways Officer deemed the proposal acceptable with appropriate conditions. The 12 parking spaces provided met the maximum London Plan requirements for a PTAL 0 rated area.
• Neighbouring Amenity: Concerns about overlooking and the impact on neighbouring properties, particularly number 27 Hollymeoak Road, were discussed. However, it was concluded that the scale, design, and separation distances were acceptable, with conditions for obscure glazing and restrictions on rear flat roof use.
• Previous Refusals: Members acknowledged that the current proposal was a significant improvement on previous applications that had been refused and dismissed on appeal due to design, scale, and massing concerns.

Councillor Fish proposed granting permission, seconded by Councillor Fraser. The motion was carried with nine votes in favour and one against.