There is a housing application in South Croydon to destroy green spaces and existing parking spaces. I am opposing this for the reasons below. Please do share this so that other people are aware of what’s currently happening our part of the borough.
Re: 20/02532/FUL
Redevelopment of the existing rear car parking area into two semi-detached 3 bedroom family dwellings with associated car parking, cycle and refuse storage.
Land Rear Of 7 And 9 Spencer Road South Croydon CR2 7EL
I am writing to lodge my objection to the above planning application. My reasons are as follows:
- The proposal to redevelop this car parking area and build two semi-detached homes on this site would be an over-development due to its size, height, footprint, bulk and massing and would be detrimental to the green environment of this backland area
- The three storey proposal and the design, with roof top terraces, is out of character with the properties adjacent to the site, which form part of this valued Local Area of Special Character
- The contemporary flat roof block design would be completely out of character and would be more suited to an urban context and not this green suburban site with its heritage significance
- The proposal fails to respect the local development pattern, layout and siting
- Inaccurate drawings and plans have been submitted
- Detrimental to the occupiers of the existing flats due to loss of their garden and amenity space
- Detrimental impact on adjoining occupiers due to overlooking and loss of privacy and daylight/sunlight
- Unacceptable loss of visually important mature lime trees
- Loss of the allocated ten parking spaces for local residents will lead to parking problems
- Concreting over of garden space; the loss of natural vegetation and natural habitat
- Insufficient parking provision for family homes
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
- SP4.2 which requires development to be informed by the distinctive qualities, identity, topography and opportunities of the relevant Places of Croydon
- 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
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 … (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
