The Planning Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday 22 March 2018, granting permission for four new developments across Coulsdon and South Norwood. Key decisions included the approval of 157 new homes at Lion Green Road Car Park, Coulsdon, and the redevelopment of the former Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) Coulsdon Centre.

Redevelopment of Lion Green Road Car Park, Coulsdon

Permission was granted for the redevelopment of Lion Green Road Car Park, Coulsdon, CR5 2NL to provide 157 new homes across five buildings, ranging from six to seven storeys. The development will include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats, along with vehicular access, residential and town centre car parking, landscaping, and new private and public amenity space.

The decision followed presentations from council officers and responses from various stakeholders. Peter Morgan and Ray Wookey, along with Peter Jarvis of the Chipstead Residents Association, spoke against the application. Conversely, Charles King and Maureen Levy of the East Coulsdon Residents Association, along with Colm Lacy from Brick by Brick and Chris Gascoigne, a DP9 Planning Consultant, spoke in favour. Councillor Creatura, the Ward Councillor, also spoke against the proposal.

Councillor Chowdhury moved a motion for approval, seconded by Councillor Khan. An alternative motion for refusal was moved by Councillor Wright on the grounds of insufficient parking provision, an over-intensification of the site, and impacts on heritage. The motion for approval was carried with six votes in favour and four against, leading to the refusal motion falling.

The committee resolved to grant permission subject to several additional conditions. These include ensuring the appropriate split between visitor and resident cycle storage, incorporating seating, a children's play area, and a pond into the landscaping, and maintaining public car parking and access to the scouts hall during construction via a Construction Logistics Plan. The travel plan must also include the early introduction of a car club, and cycle and pedestrian environment enhancements must be secured through a legal agreement.

Redevelopment of Land West Of 41 Malcolm Road, Coulsdon

Permission was granted for the demolition of an outbuilding and the erection of a three-storey building of 1,436sqm for non-residential institution use (Use Class D1)¹, with a new access from Woodcote Grove Road.

Officers presented the details of the planning application, and responded to questions. Peter Morgan spoke against the application, while Colm Lacey of Brick by Brick and Luke Tozer of Pitman Tozer spoke in favour.

Councillor Scott moved a motion to approve the application, with an added informative that the final detailed application be brought back to the Committee for consideration of reserved matters. Councillor Khan seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously.

The committee resolved to grant permission with the added note that the final detailed application would be brought back for consideration of reserved matters. Members also requested that within future reserved matters:

• The existing vehicular access to Chipstead Valley Road be made a pedestrian route.
• The level of parking should be reviewed with the potential for an increase from the 2 approved.
• A drop-off point should be provided on site.

Redevelopment of Former Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) Coulsdon Centre

The committee granted permission for the partial demolition and reconfiguration of the existing building at the former Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) Coulsdon Centre, 41 Malcolm Road, Coulsdon, CR5 2DB, including the erection of a new multi-purpose function hall, car parking, landscaping, and other associated works.

Peter Morgan spoke against the application. Charles King and Maureen Levy of the East Coulsdon Residents Association, along with Colm Lacey of Brick by Brick and Luke Tozer of Pitman Tozer, spoke in favour.

Councillor Audsley moved a motion of approval, seconded by Councillor Khan. Councillor Bains moved a motion for refusal, but it was not seconded. The motion for approval was carried with nine votes in favour and one against.

Redevelopment of Coulsdon Community Centre (CCC)

Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing community centre at Coulsdon Community Centre (CCC), Barrie Close, Coulsdon, CR5 3BE and the erection of 33 residential units, comprising four 1-bedroom flats, twelve 2-bedroom flats, and seventeen 3-bedroom houses. The development will also include car parking, landscaping, and other associated works.

Peter Morgan spoke against the application. Charles King and Maureen Levy of the East Coulsdon Residents Association, along with Colm Lacey of Brick by Brick, Luke Tozer of Pitman Tozer, and Jennifer Islip, a planning agent from Carter Jonas, spoke in favour. Councillor Creatura, the Ward Councillor, spoke against the proposal.

Councillor Scott moved a motion of approval, seconded by Councillor Audsley. Councillor Bains moved a motion for refusal, but it was not seconded. The motion for approval was carried with six votes in favour and four against.

Redevelopment of Garages and Forecourt North Of Avenue Road, South Norwood

The committee granted permission for the demolition of garages and the erection of a three-storey building to provide 12 flats at the Garages and Forecourt North Of Avenue Road, South Norwood, London. The development includes a disabled car parking space, landscaping, and other associated works.

Alex Toogood and Diana James spoke against the application. Colm Lacey of Brick by Brick and Alex Barretta of Common Ground Architecture spoke in favour.

Councillor Perry moved a motion of refusal on the grounds of over-intensification of the local area, design being out of character with the local area, and a negative effect on the amenity of local properties. Councillor Audsley moved a motion for deferral, but it was not seconded. Councillor Scott then proposed a motion of approval, seconded by Councillor Kabir.

The motion to refuse the application fell with four votes in favour and six against. The motion to approve the application was carried with five votes in favour, four against, and one abstention.

Pre-application for 40-60 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon

Representatives of the applicant presented proposals for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a residential building comprising 94 units with associated parking and landscaping at 40-60 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon. Members raised questions and discussed issues prior to the formal submission of a planning application.

Key issues raised included encouraging developers to add additional stories and remove the basement in exchange for a higher percentage of affordable housing, with the affordable housing offer to be at least 30%. Discussions also covered the design of the façade, suggesting it could be more bold and innovative, potentially referencing the local use of stained glass, and a desire to move beyond the 'Croydon vernacular' in terms of materials. Balcony screening should be occupier-friendly, and parking provision should be kept to a minimum, with exploration of shared parking spaces. The removal of passive parking provision and the exploration of duplexes for ground-floor units were also discussed.