The Planning Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 8 February 2024, to consider a proposed mixed-use development at Spurgeon's College and a planning application for new dwellings on Arkwright Road. The meeting also included a review of weekly planning decisions made under delegated powers.

Development Presentations

Spurgeon's College, 189 South Norwood Hill, South Norwood, London, SE25 6DJ

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on a proposed mixed-use development at Spurgeon's College. The plans outlined a redevelopment of the site to include an extension to the locally listed Walker House, a new education building, and basement facilities for higher education. The proposal also included extensions to the existing locally listed building and the construction of 42 family homes. This pre-application stage discussion aimed to gather comments on the development, which is intended to support the college's expansion to university status. Key considerations for the committee included the principle of development, townscape and heritage impact, housing quality, impact on neighbours, trees, ecology, landscaping, transport, and environmental sustainability. Significant concerns were noted regarding the loss of protected trees and the lack of affordable housing in the current proposals.

Planning Applications for Decision

34A, 34B And Rear Of 34 Arkwright Road, CR2 0LL

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for the demolition of existing dwellinghouses at 34A and 34B Arkwright Road and the construction of six new three-storey dwellinghouses, along with associated parking, access, and landscaping. The report recommended that permission be granted for this development. The application proposed six four-bedroom family homes, with 12 car parking spaces and cycle storage. The report highlighted that the design aimed to respect the character of the surrounding suburban area, and that measures had been taken to mitigate any impact on neighbouring amenity. Concerns raised by local residents and Councillor Helen Redfern regarding overdevelopment, overlooking, and tree removal were addressed within the report.

Other Planning Matters

Weekly Planning Decisions

The committee was provided with a list of delegated planning decisions made between 15 January 2024 and 26 January 2024. This list detailed applications that had been determined by officers under delegated powers, including those granted, refused, or withdrawn.