The Croydon Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday 20 August 2026, with Councillor Ian Parker in the chair. The committee granted planning permission for the development of a builder's merchant at Selzden Goods Yard, South Croydon, and for a new dwelling at 233 Hayes Lane, Kenley.

Selzden Goods Yard, Selzden Road, South Croydon

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of new industrial buildings for use as a builder's merchant, to be occupied by Travis Perkins. The proposal includes the display, sale, and storage of building and plumbing materials. The site is designated as a Tier 1 strategic and separated industrial location.

Concerns were raised by local residents and Councillor Michael Neill regarding potential highway impacts, noise pollution, and the design's insensitivity to the local context. Specifically, objections focused on the increased vehicle movements, particularly HGVs, using Sussex Road due to railway bridge height restrictions, and the potential for noise disturbance to nearby residential properties.

Officers addressed these concerns by highlighting 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. Network Rail did not raise concerns about potential bridge strikes, and a road safety audit was deemed not required. Noise management plans and restricted opening hours were proposed as mitigation measures. The development was considered acceptable in terms of design, scale, and layout, with conditions attached to ensure suitable decontamination of the land and to restrict operations to specific hours. Sustainability aspects were noted as good, with the scheme aiming for BREEAM excellent and net-zero carbon emissions.

The committee debated the balance between the economic benefits, job creation, and intensification of an industrial site against the concerns raised by residents. Ultimately, the committee resolved to grant permission, with an additional condition for acoustic screening along the Selzden Road boundary.

233 Hayes Lane, Kenley

Planning permission was granted for the erection of a two-storey development with roof accommodation comprising six flats, with seven parking spaces and associated landscaping. The site was formerly a single-storey detached dwelling that was demolished in 2023.

Concerns were raised by objectors, including Karl Roche and Councillor Ola Kaladi, regarding the impact on the character of the area, the increased scale and intensity of the development compared to previous approvals, and potential overlooking of neighbouring properties. Specific points included the building being higher than neighbouring bungalows, the introduction of roof-level occupation and rear balconies, and highway safety concerns in the area. The history of previous refusals for higher density developments on the site was also highlighted.

Officers noted that the current proposal had been amended to reduce its height and increase setbacks from neighbouring boundaries, addressing previous concerns about outlook and massing. The unit mix was discussed, with a majority of one-bedroom flats, though officers stated this was not a planning consideration. The proposal was considered to provide a good standard of accommodation and to respect the character of Hayes Lane, with conditions to ensure privacy screening and a sustainable transport contribution.

The committee deliberated on whether the differences from the previously approved scheme were substantial enough to warrant refusal. Ultimately, the committee was minded to approve the application, noting the need for housing and the improvements made to the design and separation distances. A condition regarding the construction logistics plan was also discussed to ensure the road was not blocked by construction vehicles.

26 Warren Road, South Croydon

The committee granted planning permission for the erection of a single-family dwellinghouse at land to the rear of 26 Warham Road. The proposal involved subdividing the plot to create a single-storey bungalow.

Concerns were raised by neighbours regarding the impact on character and design, neighbouring amenity, the standard of accommodation, trees and biodiversity, waste management, transport, and flooding. Specifically, objections related to the building's height, scale, and siting, potential loss of privacy, noise during construction, and the adequacy of the retained garden space.

Officers addressed these concerns by highlighting that the previous appeal decision had established the principle of backland development and found no harm to character or unacceptable outlook issues. The amended scheme reduced the building's height and increased its setback from neighbouring boundaries. A Section 106 agreement was recommended to secure a sustainable transport contribution, permit-free living for occupants, car club membership, and the removal of access to council-run car parks. Conditions were proposed to cover construction logistics, environmental management, tree protection, biodiversity enhancement, and refuse storage.

The committee debated the balance between the need for housing and the potential impacts on neighbouring amenity and highway safety. Ultimately, the committee resolved to grant permission, subject to the completion of the Section 106 legal agreement and the imposition of conditions.

Other Planning Matters

The committee received a report on weekly planning decisions taken by the local planning authority since the last meeting, whether by officers under delegated powers or by the committee itself. Nicola Townsend, Head of Development Management, introduced the report, and members were invited to raise any questions.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Parker thanking everyone for attending. A copy of the webcast of the planning committee would be available on the council's website from the following day.