The Croydon Council Planning Sub-Committee met on 24 July 2025, and approved an application to build three terraced houses at 33 Box Ridge Avenue, and another to change the use of a building at 58-60 Westow Hill to allow it to be used as a bakery.

33 Box Ridge Avenue, Purley

Councillors voted to grant permission for the demolition of an existing house at 33 Box Ridge Avenue, Purley and the erection of three, three-storey terraced houses. Councillor Michael Neill, Chair of the Planning Subcommittee, confirmed that the committee resolved to grant the application.

Samantha Dixon, Principal Planning Officer in the South Team, presented the application, highlighting that the development would provide a net increase of two family houses in the borough, contributing to identified housing need. She noted that the proposed development would retain protected trees and have an acceptable impact on visual and neighbouring amenities. Amended plans included the location of a cycle store and additional sections, with the existing building outlined in red for clarity. An additional condition was proposed to require side windows to be obscurely glazed.

Dr Joan Wang, a local resident, spoke in objection to the proposal, citing a restrictive covenant¹ limiting development to detached or semi-detached houses, drainage concerns, evidence of bats on the site, and right to light issues. Govinda Prashar, speaking in support of the application, stated that the proposal would replace an outdated dwelling with three high-quality family-sized homes, designed to meet modern living standards. He added that the proposal responds directly to Croydon’s pressing need for more family housing.

In response to concerns raised, officers clarified that covenants are separate from planning considerations and are a civil matter. They also confirmed that bat surveys had been undertaken and assessed by an ecologist, who was satisfied with the proposed conditions. Regarding drainage, a flood risk assessment had been submitted, and officers were satisfied that a suitable scheme could be designed.

Councillor Clive Fraser, Vice Chair of the Committee, supported the application, stating that it provides additional family homes. Councillor Humayel Kabir raised concerns about the building going beyond the house line and its impact on privacy. Councillor Helen Redford, Member of this Committee, noted that the street scene would not be significantly impacted and welcomed the condition for obscured side windows. Councillor Lara Fish, Deputy Chair of this Committee, echoed support for the application, welcoming the conditions around wildlife and the increased distance between the property and its neighbour.

Following discussion, the committee voted to grant the application, with five members in favour and one against.

58-60 Westow Hill, Upper Norwood

The committee voted to grant permission for a change of use at 58-60 Westow Hill, Upper Norwood from Class E/Sui Generis (Restaurant with Drinking Establishment Use) to Open Class E use, to allow Gail's Bakery to occupy the site.

Katie Park, Case Officer, North Team, presented the application, explaining that the applicant sought to update the use class to open Class E, as they no longer needed the Sui Generis² part associated with the previous restaurant/bar. Rob Scadding, agent for Gail's, addressed the committee, stating that Gail's could technically occupy the unit without needing to change its use, but they were seeking formal consent for Open Class E to ensure the permitted use class meets their operational requirements.

Councillor Redford asked what would happen to the site if the application was declined, and officers confirmed that there was already a Class E use on the site, so the applicant could still operate as a bakery. Councillor Fraser asked if planning could stop a chain store from occupying the site, but officers confirmed that they could not regulate who takes on a retail site. Councillor Fish clarified that the committee was only agreeing to the removal of the Sui Generis use.

Councillor Fish applauded Gail's for wanting to make everything above board. Councillor Kabir welcomed the application, stating that it would bring a new business and retail to the district centre.

The committee voted unanimously in favour of granting the application.

Other Planning Matters

Nicola Townsend, Head of Development Management, noted that a list of applications determined by the committee or by officers under delegated powers was included in the papers for information.