You may be aware of this completely inappropriate development proposed for Purley. I objected to this in January however the proposal has changed only by a reduction of one unit, and would still see the demolition of the home at 1 Smitham Bottom Lane, Purley, CR8 3DE, to make way for 16 flats over 5 storeys.
This application is being heard by Croydon Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday 24th March 2022. The meeting starts at 6:00pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Katherine Street, Croydon, CR0 1NX.
You can watch the meeting remotely via the following link: https://webcasting.croydon.gov.uk/14991-Planning-Committee.
This is a terrible proposal and I have lodged strong objections. My reasons are as follows:
Re: 20/06319/FUL
Demolition of existing 2 storey detached dwelling; construction of part 3, 4, and 5
storey building comprising a mix of 16 no. one, two and three-bedroom flats; associated parking and hard and soft landscaping.
1 Smitham Bottom Lane Purley CR8 3DE
- The proposal for 16 new homes spread over five storeys in a block of flats would be a significant overdevelopment of this site due to its design, size, height, footprint, scale and massing and, together with the proposed materials, would result in an incongruous form of development.
- The proposal, with its out of character contemporary design, would fail to integrate successfully within the immediate sylvan surroundings and would be detrimental to the street-scene at this prominent corner site.
- The proposal fails to respect the prevailing architectural character of the local area which is strongly influenced by the garden suburb houses of the adjacent Webb Estate Conservation Area.
- This local area is characterised by Arts and Crafts influenced and traditional style 1930’s homes with gabled roofs, hips and eaves, all set in generously spaced garden plots; this proposal completely fails to the prevailing local verdant character or the pattern of development.
- The development would be detrimental to the amenities of the occupiers of the neighbouring properties by reason of its mass, design and siting resulting in increased visual intrusion, overlooking and loss of privacy.
- Inadequate parking for residents and visitors.
- Highways safety concerns in relation to access arrangements due to the close proximity to the very busy mini roundabout at the junction of Foxley Lane, Smitham Bottom Lane, Woodcote Road and Little Woodcote Lane – which has a history of road traffic accidents.
- Concreting over of garden space; the loss of natural vegetation and natural habitat: risk to established mature trees and hedges.
- Lack of consideration of any impact on local infrastructure: eg parking, schools, GPs, drainage.
If you share my concerns and haven’t commented to date then you can still do so up until the decision date via the Council’s website at https://new.croydon.gov.uk/planning-and-regeneration/planning/comment-or-object-planning-application
In the past when the Planning Committee has considered this kind of application the four Conservative councillors on the committee have voted against such inappropriate development, but the six Labour councillors have chosen to vote in favour. You may therefore also like to let the Labour Planning Committee members know of your concerns.
Their email addresses are:
Cllr Chris Clark – chris.clark2@croydon.gov.uk – Chair of the Planning Committee
Cllr Leila Ben-Hassel – leila.ben-hassel@croydon.gov.uk – Vice Chair
Cllr Clive Fraser – clive.fraser@croydon.gov.uk
Cllr Joy Prince – joy.prince@croydon.gov.uk
Cllr Jamie Audsley – jamie.audsley@croydon.gov.uk
Cllr Humayun Kabir – humayun.kabir@croydon.gov.uk
There is nothing in national planning law or policy requiring the council to pass applications such as this. Neighbouring Boroughs such as Sutton and Bromley do not pass applications like this, despite being subject to the same national policy.
I very much hope that this application will be refused and that you will find this information helpful. Please do share this email so that as many people as possible are aware of this terrible scheme in our local area.
