The Croydon Planning Committee met on Thursday 20 August 2026 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of plans for a builder's merchant at Selsdon Goods Yard, South Croydon, and the granting of permission for a six-flat development at 233 Hayes Lane, Kenley. The committee also noted the weekly planning decisions made under delegated powers.

Selsdon Goods Yard, Selsdon Road, South Croydon

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of three commercial buildings for use as a builder's merchant by Travis Perkins. The proposal includes the display, sale, and storage of building and plumbing materials, with alterations to access and servicing arrangements, provision of vehicle and cycle parking, new landscaping, and associated works.

Concerns were raised by local residents and the ward councillor regarding potential highway impacts, noise pollution, and the scale and design of the development. Specifically, objections focused on the increased vehicle movements, particularly HGVs, using Sussex Road due to a low railway bridge, and the potential for noise disturbance to nearby residential properties on Rockhampton Road and Elm Close.

Officers addressed these concerns by highlighting that the site is designated as a Tier 1 Strategic and Separated Industrial Location, where such uses are appropriate and intensification is encouraged. They explained that additional assessments had been conducted regarding vehicle movements and parking stress on Sussex Road, with the council's transport officer satisfied with the outcome. Regarding noise, a Noise Management Plan was proposed, and conditions were recommended to restrict operating hours to between 7 am and 5:30 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. The applicant also agreed to a £15,000 contribution towards the council's local employment and training strategy, to be secured by a Section 106 agreement.

During deliberation, councillors discussed the balance between the economic benefits of the development, including job creation and investment, and the potential impacts on residential amenity. An additional condition was proposed and agreed upon for noise screening along the Selsdon Road boundary. Ultimately, the committee resolved to grant permission, subject to conditions and legal obligations.

233 Hayes Lane, Kenley

Planning permission was granted for the erection of a two-storey development with roof accommodation comprising six flats, with provision for seven parking spaces, cycle parking, refuse storage, associated soft landscaping, and a new access onto Hayes Lane.

The application was brought to the committee due to objections received, including concerns about overdevelopment, the impact on the character of the area, potential overlooking, and highway safety. The ward councillor, Councillor Ola Kaladi, also referred the application for committee consideration, echoing these concerns and arguing that the proposed intensification was neither reasonable nor suitable.

Officers presented a comparison with a previously approved application for five flats on the same site, noting that the current proposal was marginally taller and included an additional flat. They explained that the design, scale, and separation distances had been carefully considered to minimise harm to neighbouring residential amenities. The previously approved scheme's issues regarding outlook from neighbouring properties and the absence of a car-free mechanism had been addressed. The proposal included seven parking spaces for six units, which officers deemed sufficient given the site's PTAL rating of 0. A Section 106 agreement was proposed to secure a £2,000 per unit sustainable transport contribution.

During deliberation, councillors acknowledged the housing need and the fact that the proposal was largely similar to a previously approved scheme. While some concerns about the increased bulk and intensity were noted, the committee ultimately found no substantial grounds to refuse the application. The decision to grant permission was made, subject to conditions and the completion of the Section 106 agreement.

Other Planning Matters

The committee also noted the weekly planning decisions that had been made by officers under delegated powers or by the planning committee since the last meeting in July.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Ian Parker, Chair of the Planning Committee, thanking attendees and confirming that a webcast of the meeting would be available on the council's website.