Another of the planning applications to replace family homes with blocks of flats that I am objecting to currently. This time it’s the demolition of a home in favour of a 4 storey block of 9 flats on Pampisford Road. Please do share this so that other people are aware of what’s currently happening our part of the borough.
Demolition of 39 Pampisford Road, erection of 9x Apartments, parking areas, & associated landscaping
39 Pampisford Road Purley CR8 2NJ
- The proposal for 9 new homes spread over 4 storeys – would be a significant overdevelopment of this site due to its size, height, density, footprint, bulk and massing
- At four storeys, this proposal is considerably taller than adjacent properties – two full storeys taller than number 41 Pampisford Road and one story taller than the consented scheme at number 37 – this would be harmful to the street scene
- This proposal completely fails to respect the rhythm of the buildings along this section of Pampisford Road with proportional gaps between the properties and is at odds with the prevailing character and setting of the local green and leafy environment
- There would be a detrimental impact on the amenities of adjoining occupiers due to overlooking, overbearing impact and loss of privacy
- Loss of mature trees and risk to retained trees
- Concreting over of garden space and the loss of natural vegetation and natural habitat; the loss of an established mature hedge is unacceptable
- The housing need is for family homes with gardens, not flats
- Inadequate parking provision for residents and visitors
- Highways safety concerns due to the location so close to the busy junction of Pampisford Road with Christchurch Road
- Lack of consideration of any impact on local infrastructure: eg drainage, schools, GPs
- Such intensification is no longer justifiable following the reduction in the London Plan housing targets
On these above grounds the application breaches the following policies:
Croydon Local Plan, February 2018
- Policy SP1.2 on page 13: “The Council will require all new development in the borough to contribute to enhancing a sense of place and improving the character of the area, whilst acknowledging the need for growth … Development proposals should respond to and enhance local character”
- Policy DM10.1, page 86: “Proposals should be of high quality and, whilst seeking to achieve a minimum height of 3 storeys, should respect: a. The development pattern, layout and siting; b. The scale, height, massing, and density; c. The appearance, existing materials and built and natural features of the surrounding area; the Place of Croydon in which it is located….
- DM10.6, page 87: “The Council will support proposals for development that ensure that; a. The amenity of the occupiers of adjoining buildings are protected; and that b. They do not result in direct overlooking at close range or habitable rooms in main rear or private elevations; and that c. They do not result in direct overlooking of private outdoor space (with the exception of communal open space) within 10m perpendicular to the rear elevation of a dwelling”
- National Planning Policy Framework, July 2018
- Paragraph 8(b) “protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment”
- Paragraph 122 – “Planning Policy and decisions should support development that makes efficient use of land that, taking into account (a) the identified need for different types of housing … (b) local market conditions …. (c) the availability and capacity of infrastructure and services … (d) the desirability of maintaining an area’s prevailing character and setting (including residential gardens)”
- Clause 127 (c) “Planning policies and decisions should ensure that developments … (c) are sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting, while not preventing appropriate innovation or change (such as increased densities)”
- Paragraph 131 – applications should “fit in with the overall form and layout of their surroundings”
The best way that we can stop the council from continuing with this planning mess is through a Directly Elected Mayor. You can learn more about this campaign and download the petition here –https://democ.org.uk/sign-petition
