The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 23 July 2026, to consider several planning applications. The committee granted permission for a new dwelling, a change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), and the installation of multiple BT Street Hubs across the borough.

New Dwelling Approved

Permission was granted for the erection of a single-storey, two-bedroom detached dwelling on land rear of 83-87 Edridge Road, Croydon CR0 1EJ. The principle of residential development at this site had previously been established by a prior planning permission. Concerns raised by Councillor Ria Patel and other local residents regarding inappropriate backland development, impact on neighbouring amenity, and access were addressed by officers. The report noted that the site had a Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 5, considered very good, and the development would be car-free, aligning with London Plan Policy T6.1. Conditions were imposed regarding the submission of a Construction Logistics Plan, details of materials, landscaping, and a Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy.

HMO Conversion Granted

The committee approved the retrospective change of use of 22 Brighton Road, Coulsdon CR5 2BA from a single-family dwellinghouse to a six-bedroom, six-person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This decision aligns with the council's aim to provide a choice of housing and meet local housing needs, as outlined in the Croydon Local Plan. Objections from the Coulsdon West Residents' Association and other neighbours, citing concerns about the area's character, neighbouring amenity, and loss of family homes, were considered. Officers noted that the property already held an HMO licence and that the proposed use would not result in an over-proliferation of HMOs in the area. Conditions were attached to ensure the development adheres to approved drawings, includes details of cycle and refuse storage, mechanical ventilation, an HMO Management Plan, and limits the number of bedrooms and occupants.

BT Street Hub Installations Approved

A series of applications for the installation of BT Street Hubs were approved across the borough. These modern units replace existing payphones and offer public Wi-Fi, device charging, real-time information, and digital advertising.

• 68 High Street, Croydon, CR0 9XN: Permission was granted for the installation of a BT Street Hub and the removal of associated existing BT payphones. Councillor Ria Patel raised objections concerning public safety, visual impact, and environmental considerations, but officers concluded the proposal would have a neutral impact on the streetscene and public realm. Conditions were imposed regarding the management of anti-social behaviour, the removal of existing telephone booths, and the control of illumination and digital display content.
• Pavement O/S 296 London Road, Croydon, CR0 2TG: A BT Street Hub was approved for installation on the pavement outside 296 London Road, Croydon, CR0 2TG. Similar to the High Street application, Councillor Patel's objections were noted, but officers found the proposal acceptable in terms of design, scale, and appearance, with no adverse impact on pedestrian movement or highway safety. Conditions regarding anti-social behaviour management and illumination were applied.
• Pavement O/S 265 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1QH: The installation of a BT Street Hub outside 265 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1QH was also approved. The application was referred to committee by Councillor Patel, who raised concerns about public safety and visual impact. The report concluded that the Street Hub would have a neutral impact on the streetscene and public realm, and conditions were imposed to manage its operation and illumination.
• Pavement O/S Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2BY: A BT Street Hub installation outside Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2BY received planning permission. Councillor Patel's objections were considered, but the proposal was deemed acceptable in terms of design, scale, and appearance, with no undue impact on neighbouring amenities or highway safety. Conditions were applied to manage anti-social behaviour and illumination.
• West Croydon Railway Station, London Road: The final BT Street Hub application approved was for an installation outside West Croydon Railway Station, London Road. Councillor Patel's objections were again noted, but the committee granted permission, finding the proposal acceptable in design, scale, and appearance, and without adverse impact on pedestrian movement or highway safety. Conditions were imposed to ensure proper management and illumination.

In all BT Street Hub applications, the council's planning officers concluded that the modern units offered a streamlined design that would have a neutral impact on the streetscene and public realm, while also replacing existing, older telephone boxes. Concerns regarding anti-social behaviour were addressed through the requirement for an Anti-Social Behaviour Management Plan and a review process involving the Metropolitan Police and BT.