The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 11 June 2026, to discuss two planning applications. The committee granted permission for alterations and the erection of a front porch and single-storey rear extension at 37 Pollards Hill South, Norbury. However, a proposal to grant planning permission for the erection of extensions and associated alterations to existing large houses of multiple occupation at 12 to 14 Tennyson Road, South Norwood, was refused.

12 to 14 Tennyson Road, South Norwood

The committee refused planning permission for the proposed development at 12 to 14 Tennyson Road, South Norwood, which included the erection of extensions and associated alterations to existing houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) and their conversion into 12 flats, along with the construction of a new building to the rear to provide an additional 12 flats, resulting in 24 flats in total. The refusal was based on concerns regarding the impact on locally listed buildings and heritage assets, as well as issues with parking and the design of the rear building.

The presenting officer, Helen Fennell, Head of Development Management, outlined the proposal, which involved converting two existing HMOs into 12 flats and constructing a new building to the rear for a further 12 flats. Both 12 and 14 Tennyson Road are locally listed buildings. The proposal included demolition of some parts of the existing buildings to facilitate access and extensions. The new rear building would be in line with an existing development at number 18 Tennyson Road.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Mark Johnson regarding the extent of demolition to the original parts of the buildings and the lack of affordable housing. Councillor Jose Piedade Fernandes highlighted the limited parking provision (five spaces for 24 units, three of which are disabled) and the potential for increased on-street parking stress. Councillor Rowenna Davis, in her first meeting on the committee, noted the poor state of the existing HMOs but shared concerns about the heritage impact and the design of the rear building, as well as the basement accommodation. Councillor Johnson also expressed reservations about the design of the rear building, stating it did not fit the local area and was incongruous with the existing locally listed buildings.

Councillor Sean Fitzsimons seconded Councillor Johnson's motion to refuse the application, citing concerns about the rear building's design, its conflict with the character of the front building, and its being out of keeping. The committee voted to refuse the application by seven votes to none, with one abstention.

37 Pollards Hill South, Norbury

The committee granted planning permission for alterations and the erection of a front porch and single-storey rear extension, including a raised patio, at 37 Pollards Hill South, Norbury.

The presenting officer, Helen Fennell, North Area Team Leader, explained that the application was for a two-storey detached dwelling in a poor state of repair. The proposal included a front porch and a single-storey rear extension projecting 3.5 metres beyond the existing rear extension, along with a raised patio.

Councillor Mark Johnson stated he could find no reason to refuse the application, noting that the previous application had been refused for different reasons and that the current proposal looked very nice. Councillor Rowenna Davis agreed, stating she saw no harm to neighbours and that the alterations were modest. The committee resolved to grant planning permission, with Councillor Helen Redfern proposing and Councillor Mark Johnson seconding the motion.