The Croydon Planning Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss a major redevelopment proposal for the Whitgift Centre and surrounding land, and to consider a planning application for Stoneham House. The committee received a presentation on the ambitious Whitgift Centre redevelopment, which aims to transform the area into a mixed-use neighbourhood with thousands of new homes, retail, leisure, and public spaces. Separately, the committee considered a planning application for Stoneham House, 17 Scarbrook Road, for the erection of a part 3/part 6-storey micro hotel with up to 20 rooms, with all matters reserved except scale.

Whitgift Centre Redevelopment Proposals

The committee received a presentation on the emerging masterplan for the redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre, Allders, and surrounding land. This significant pre-application item, presented by Adam Smith from URW and Paul Eaton from Allies and Morrison, outlined a vision for a residential-led mixed-use town centre. The proposals include the potential for 3,000 to 4,000 new homes, alongside retail, leisure, community, and workspace. Key features discussed included the creation of new streets, public spaces like The Forum and Whitgift Park, and a focus on enhancing connectivity and greening within the town centre.

Councillor Ria Patel, a ward councillor, expressed concerns about the clarity of the proposals, particularly regarding affordable housing, the width and design of new routes, the scale of public spaces, and the impact on heritage assets. She stressed the need for a genuinely mixed-use, accessible, and affordable town centre.

Planning officers highlighted that this was a pre-application stage, and detailed decisions would be made at a future meeting. They noted that the applicant's approach involved parameter plans, a development specification, and a design code to guide future development.

Committee members engaged in a lengthy discussion covering various aspects of the masterplan, including:

• Land Use: Concerns were raised about the reduction in retail space and its potential impact on town centre vitality. The applicant explained they were right-sizing retail and aiming for a 24/7 town centre with the introduction of residential uses. The potential for sports facilities was discussed, with the applicant stating these were not currently viable for the site.
• Housing: The mix of tenures, affordability, and provision for family-sized homes were key discussion points. The applicant committed to a diverse housing offer and flexible community floorspace.
• Design and Massing: The height and massing of proposed tall buildings, particularly along Wellesley Road, were discussed, with a general acceptance of stepping down in scale towards North End. The future of Centre Tower was a significant point of debate, with the applicant explaining the challenges of retention due to viability and fire safety concerns. Members stressed the importance of reflecting Croydon's unique architectural character.
• Connectivity and Public Realm: The creation of new routes and public spaces was welcomed, but questions were raised about their visibility, accessibility, and capacity to serve the anticipated population. The east-west route and its alignment were a particular focus.
• Heritage: Impacts on heritage assets, including St. Michael's Church, the Almshouses, Allders, and Centre Tower, were discussed. Members sought reassurance on how heritage harm would be justified and mitigated.
• Parking and Servicing: The move towards a car-free development was noted, with discussions on the provision of blue badge parking and the capacity of surrounding car parks.
• Delivery and Phasing: The long-term nature of the development and the potential impact of ongoing construction on residents and businesses were key concerns. The applicant emphasised the need for flexibility in phasing to ensure deliverability.

The committee concluded this item by acknowledging the ambition of the proposals and encouraging the applicant to refine the scheme, particularly regarding affordable housing, public realm quality, heritage impacts, and delivery arrangements.

Stoneham House, 17 Scarbrook Road

The committee then considered a planning application for Stoneham House, 17 Scarbrook Road, for the erection of a part 3/part 6-storey micro hotel with up to 20 rooms, with all matters reserved except scale. Barry Valentine, Principal Planning Officer, presented the application.

Steven Allen and Councillor Ria Patel spoke in objection, raising concerns about overdevelopment, loss of light, privacy, fire safety, and the potential for the micro hotel to be used for long-term accommodation rather than transient stays. They highlighted that the proposed separation distances were below council policy yardsticks and questioned the quality of accommodation.

Officers responded by stating that the use as a C1 hotel was policy-compliant and that the scale was acceptable given the surrounding context. They noted that privacy concerns could be managed through conditions, such as obscure glazing, and that the transient nature of hotel use meant residential standards did not strictly apply. A condition was recommended to limit stays to 90 days per year to prevent long-term occupation.

Following deliberation, Councillor Ian Parker proposed, and Councillor Luke Shortland seconded, a motion to grant planning permission. The motion was carried with seven votes in favour, none against, and one abstention.

Other Planning Matters

The committee noted the weekly planning decisions list, which detailed applications determined under delegated powers.

The meeting concluded at 8:56 pm.