There is an application to destroy a family home in Kenley and replace it with a block of flats. 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.
20/02074/FUL
Demolition of existing single dwelling and construction of a building comprising 9 flats, associated vehicle and cycle parking, refuse storage and hard and soft landscaping.
Sycamores Kenley Lane Kenley CR8 5DF
I am writing to lodge my objection to the above planning application. My reasons are as follows:
- The proposal for 9 new homes to replace one single family detached property would be a significant over-development of this site due to its size, height, footprint, bulk , density and massing and would be detrimental to the street scene and local verdant context
- The proposed flat roof contemporary design and intensification is more suited to an urban environment than this semi-rural green and leafy site: it would visually dominating and harmful to the street-scene.
- Detrimental impact on adjoining occupiers due to overlooking and loss of privacy
- Insufficient parking provision for residents and visitors
- Concreting over of garden space; the loss of trees, natural vegetation and natural habitat
- Detrimental impact upon the viewed setting of the Grade 11 Listed Kenley Stationmasters House and the Croydon Panorama from Riddlesdown
- Concerns around impact upon flood risk in this local area
- Lack of consideration of any impact on local infrastructure: eg schools, GPs and drainage
- 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
- 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
