The Croydon Council Planning Committee convened to discuss planning applications, ultimately approving one and refusing another. The committee granted permission for the erection of a two-storey development comprising five flats at 233 Hayes Lane in Kenley, and refused permission for a new dwelling at 1 Blenheim Crescent in South Croydon.

Planning Application: 233 Hayes Lane, Kenley

The committee approved the erection of a two-storey building with five flats at 233 Hayes Lane in Kenley, following a presentation by Andrew Foulkes, Planning Officer. The development will include six parking spaces, cycle parking, refuse storage and associated landscaping.

The application had received 24 objections, including from Councillor Ola Kolade and a written statement from an unnamed objector, read by Liam Semugabi, Democratic Services and Governance Officer. Concerns raised included that the development was out of keeping with the area, would cause a loss of privacy, and would negatively impact biodiversity. Carl Roach, a local resident, also spoke in objection.

Councillor Clive Fraser proposed granting permission, seconded by Councillor Humayun Kabir, noting that the scheme was well-designed, made good use of the plot, and would contribute to housing targets. Councillor Lara Fish supported the proposal, highlighting that the size of the development was not significantly different from what had already been approved for the site. Councillor Mark Johnson agreed, stating that while flatted developments may be out of character, there was no policy preventing them. Councillor Stuart King supported the application, noting that there would be no undue harm to the residential amenities of adjoining occupiers.

The committee voted to grant permission by eight votes to zero.

Planning Application: 1 Blenheim Crescent, South Croydon

The committee refused a planning application for the erection of a detached two-storey dwelling with loft accommodation at 1 Blenheim Crescent in South Croydon.

Hania Lee, Presenting Officer, and Ross Gentry, Central Area Team Leader in Development Management, presented the item. Alina Moller, a local resident, spoke in objection, stating that the proposed dwelling would cause unacceptable harm to her garden due to its size and proximity. Brodie Hill spoke in support of the application. Councillor Daniel Denton spoke against the application, raising concerns about the scale, sighting, and form of the development, as well as its impact on neighbouring properties and parking stress.

Councillor Joseph Lee expressed concerns that the proposal would disrupt the established pattern of development and set a precedent for similar infill developments. Councillor Clive Fraser supported the application, praising the applicant's initiative to self-build and highlighting the need for housing. Councillor Mohammed Islam supported the application, stating that the design fit well within the surrounding area and kept a reasonable distance from other properties. Councillor Humayun Kabir also supported the application, noting that it met many guidelines and that there was an opportunity to provide more small, affordable homes.

Councillor Michael Neill used his casting vote to refuse the application, citing the dominance and overbearing nature of the proposed dwelling on neighbouring gardens. The committee voted three in favour and three against the officer's recommendation to grant the application, with one abstention.

Following the vote, Councillor Lara Fish proposed a motion to refuse the application on the grounds of visual intrusion, overbearing impact, and impact on the character of the local area, seconded by Councillor Joseph Lee. The motion to refuse the application was then approved by three votes to two, with one abstention.

82 Hartley Down, Purley

The committee resolved to grant the application for the creation of two balconies at the first floor of the property and then two Juliet balconies at the second floor at 82 Hartley Down.

Thomas Wilson, Presenting Officer, introduced the item, noting the extensive planning history of the site and enforcement discussions. Colin Etheridge spoke on behalf of the Hartley and District Resident Association to object to this planning application. A written statement was read out on behalf of Councillor Duazaya, who objected to the application, stating that retaining the balconies would perpetuate overlooking and loss of privacy.

Councillor Lara Fish welcomed the fact that the applicant was now working with officers. Councillor Clive Fraser thanked the officers for working diligently with the developer over this application.

The committee voted six in favour and none against, with one abstention.

Weekly Planning Decisions

The committee noted the weekly planning decisions as contained within the report. These decisions, made under delegated powers, covered a range of applications from across the borough, including house extensions, changes of use, and tree works¹.