The Croydon Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday 20 August 2026 to discuss two planning applications. The committee considered a proposal for a new 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 considered a proposal for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of new pre-industrial buildings for use as a builder's merchant, intended 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 surrounding area. Specific issues included increased vehicle movements along Sussex Road due to railway bridge height restrictions, potential noise levels, and the lack of acoustic screening on the Selzden Road boundary.

Officers addressed these concerns by highlighting that additional assessments had satisfied the council's transport officer regarding highway safety. A noise management plan, restricted opening hours, and proposed conditions for acoustic screening along the southern boundary were presented as mitigation measures. The development was considered to align with local plan policies encouraging intensification of industrial sites. Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and legal obligations, including a contribution towards the council's local employment and training strategy. The committee debated the balance between the economic benefits of the development, including job creation and investment, against the concerns raised by residents. The committee resolved to grant permission, with an additional condition for acoustic screening along the Selzden Road boundary.

233 Hayes Lane, Kenley

The committee considered an application for the erection of a two-storey development with roof accommodation comprising six flats, along with parking and landscaping. The site formerly housed a single-storey dwelling that was demolished in 2023. The application was a revision of a previously approved scheme for five flats.

Objections were raised by local residents and Councillor Ola Kaladi, focusing on the impact on the character of the area, residential amenity, and highway safety. Concerns included the increased height and scale compared to neighbouring bungalows, potential overlooking from new windows, and the cumulative effect of intensification on Hayes Lane. The history of previous refusals for higher-density developments on the site was also highlighted.

Officers presented the current proposal as a modest single-storey home, reduced in height and pulled back further from neighbouring boundaries compared to previous applications. They stated that the development would not cause undue harm to neighbouring outlook or privacy and that highway impacts would be mitigated through a Section 106 agreement securing a car-free development, sustainable transport contributions, and car club membership. The design was considered to be of a high quality and responsive to the site's context. After deliberation, the committee resolved to grant permission for the development, acknowledging the need for housing and finding that the revised proposal did not present sufficient grounds for refusal compared to the previously approved scheme. Conditions were to be attached regarding construction logistics and boundary treatment.