The Croydon Planning Committee met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the granting of planning permission for a new flat at Boulevard Point, 15 Scarborough Road, and the approval of reserved matters for five new homes at Land Adjoining 54, Beulah Hill. The committee also provided feedback on a pre-application proposal for the redevelopment of 89 Waddon Way.

Boulevard Point, 15 Scarborough Road

The committee granted planning permission for the formation of a new residential flat at Boulevard Point, 15 Scarborough Road. The proposal involved creating a mezzanine level and adding new windows and a balcony to the rear of the existing building. Councillor Paul Lenscoff spoke in objection, raising concerns about overdevelopment, potential impacts on neighbouring properties like Stoneham House, and a perceived lack of privacy. Officers addressed these points, noting that the development was in a town centre location where intensification is supported and that the distances to neighbouring properties were sufficient to avoid significant overlooking. Concerns were raised by Councillor Mark Johnson about the appearance of the perforated balconies, but officers confirmed that details of the balcony railings would be subject to a condition. The recommendation to grant permission was proposed by Councillor Mark Johnson and seconded by Councillor Luke Shortland, and was approved by the committee.

Land Adjoining 54, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood

Reserved matters for the development of five detached homes at Land Adjoining 54, Beulah Hill were granted permission. The application concerned access, appearance, landscaping, and layout. Councillor Johnson expressed concerns about access and safety, particularly regarding the junction with Harold Road and the proximity of bus stops used by schoolchildren. Councillor Appu Srinivasan also questioned the visibility display assessment for the junction. Officers confirmed that transport planners were satisfied with the visibility displays and swept path drawings, and that extensions to double yellow lines would prevent obstructions. Councillor Fitzsimons noted that the committee should focus on reserved matters and not re-litigate the outline permission, stating he was satisfied with the assurances provided. Councillor Shortland inquired about the pedestrian access points, and Councillor Davies mentioned a similar development nearby with better access arrangements. The appearance of the homes was discussed, with Councillor Shortland expressing a dislike for zinc, while Councillor Johnson found the overall design good but noted it appeared dark. Councillor Fitzsimons commented on the contemporary interpretation of traditional style and the use of zinc. Landscaping was generally welcomed, with Councillor Johnson suggesting a statue of Pickles the dog in reference to a comment made by Councillor Clare Bonham during public speaking. Councillor Davies also supported the landscaping and the green space but requested conditions for mature trees and a commitment to honour the site's heritage. The layout was generally accepted, with Councillor Johnson appreciating the spacing between buildings. The committee resolved to grant permission, with Councillor King proposing and Councillor Johnson seconding.

89 Waddon Way, Croydon

The committee received a pre-application presentation for the proposed redevelopment of 89 Waddon Way. The proposal includes the demolition of existing structures, excluding a Grade II listed diving platform, and the construction of four blocks of four-storey residential buildings, along with car parking, cycle parking, public realm, and associated infrastructure. The applicant, Bellway Homes, presented a scheme that includes 138 homes, with 22.5% affordable housing offered as social rent. Councillor Lady Ponethorai, the ward councillor, spoke in favour of the redevelopment but raised concerns about the lack of community or commercial space, the design and character of the four-storey blocks, and the impact on transport and parking. She also highlighted the importance of the Grade II listed diving platform becoming a public destination. The committee discussed the proposed land use, with a general agreement for the inclusion of commercial or community space. Concerns were raised about the design, including the uniformity of building heights and the appearance of balconies. Landscaping and the incorporation of the listed diving platform were also discussed, with a focus on public safety and accessibility. The mix of housing, particularly the percentage of affordable housing and three-bedroom homes, was debated, with some members expressing a desire for more three-bedroom units. Parking provision was also a point of discussion, with concerns raised about congestion on surrounding roads.

319 Whitehorse Road, Croydon

The committee granted planning permission for the change of use of a rear storage area at 319 Whitehorse Road to a studio flat. The application was brought to the committee due to the applicant being a serving councillor. The presenting officer, Katie Park, explained that the application fell under general permitted development order legislation. Councillor Paul Lenscoff spoke in objection, raising concerns about overdevelopment and potential impacts on neighbouring properties. Officers addressed these points, stating that the location supported intensification and that separation distances were sufficient. Councillor Mark Johnson expressed concerns about the appearance of the perforated balconies, but officers confirmed that details would be subject to conditions. The recommendation to grant permission was proposed by Councillor Luke Shortland and seconded by Councillor Mark Johnson, and was approved by the committee.

89 Waddon Way, Croydon (Addendum)

An addendum to the report for 89 Waddon Way was presented, detailing amendments to the scheme. The number of homes increased from 134 to 138 due to internal reconfigurations, and the housing mix was adjusted to include more three-bedroom units. The revised housing mix now offers 47 three-bedroom homes (34% of the total). The landscaping design was also evolved to place a greater emphasis on soft landscaping in the central square and to reduce the impact of servicing movements.

Land Adjoining 54, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood (Addendum)

An addendum for the reserved matters application at Land Adjoining 54, Beulah Hill, SE19 3ER, noted a revision to drawing 1515 330 B, replacing drawing 1515 330 A. This change was to rectify an error on the loft floor plan for Houses 4-5, which had shown a bedroom requiring a roof enlargement. The updated drawing now shows a smaller study room and an additional rooflight. Consequently, the proposed development is for five three-bedroom homes, not three three-bedroom and two four-bedroom homes. The housing mix table and paragraph 8.18 were updated to reflect this change.

Weekly Planning Decisions

The committee noted the weekly planning decisions, which included a list of delegated and committee decisions taken between 01.06.26 and 21.06.26. Notable decisions included the refusal of planning permission for a development at 12-14 Tennison Road, South Norwood, on grounds of harm to the character and appearance of locally listed buildings, inadequate parking, and absence of a legal agreement.