The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday 24 July 2025, granting permission for a new housing development in Purley and approving a change of use for a commercial property in Upper Norwood. The committee also noted the weekly planning decisions made under delegated authority.

33 Box Ridge Avenue, Purley, CR8 3AS

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of an existing house and the erection of three three-storey terraced houses at 33 Box Ridge Avenue, Purley. The decision was made by five votes to one, with no abstentions. The proposed development includes a new vehicular access, car parking, cycle and refuse storage, and associated landscaping.

Arguments for the development centred on its contribution to the borough's housing supply, providing much-needed family homes. Officers noted that the design was considered appropriate for the site and surrounding context, with no undue harm to neighbouring residential amenities. The standard of accommodation was deemed acceptable and compliant with national and London Plan standards. Concerns regarding highway safety were addressed by the proposed parking provision and contributions towards sustainable transport. The development was also considered to have no undue harm on protected trees and would result in a net gain in biodiversity.

Objectors raised concerns about the character and design of the development, arguing it was an overdevelopment of the site and not in keeping with the area. Issues of neighbour amenity, including loss of privacy, light, and visual overbearingness, were also raised. Concerns were voiced about parking and highway safety, as well as the environmental impact of tree loss and strain on local infrastructure, including water and sewerage provision. A key objection was based on a restrictive covenant that reportedly limited development to detached or semi-detached houses only, which the proposed terraced houses would contravene. Drainage issues and the presence of bats on the site were also cited as concerns.

The committee was advised that restrictive covenants and rights to light are civil matters and not material planning considerations that would typically lead to a refusal of planning permission. While acknowledging the objector's concerns, officers confirmed that the proposed development, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, would not have an adverse impact on the environment or highway safety.

58-60 Westow Hill, Upper Norwood, London SE19 1RX

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for a change of use of the ground floor at 58-60 Westow Hill, Upper Norwood, from a restaurant and bar (Class E/Sui Generis) to an open Class E use, to accommodate a Gail's bakery. The decision was carried with six votes in favour, and no votes against or abstentions.

The application was brought to the committee due to objections exceeding the threshold for delegated decision-making. The proposed use as a bakery is considered compliant with national, regional, and local policies aimed at maintaining the vitality and viability of district centres. Officers found no evidence of additional harmful impacts to neighbours or the conservation area, nor any adverse transport impacts.

The agent for Gail's bakery highlighted that the company was seeking to formalise the use class, as they did not require the Sui Generis element of the previous licence. They emphasised that Gail's would activate the street frontage, contribute to the area's diverse offer, and align with policies supporting town centres as community hubs. Concerns raised by local residents regarding the impact of a chain store were noted, but officers confirmed that such considerations are not material planning matters. Gail's commitment to community involvement and a submitted delivery management plan were also highlighted.

The committee members generally welcomed the application, noting the need to fill vacant retail units and the positive contribution a bakery could make to the area. The change of use was seen as a way to regularise the site's use and ensure it was fully compliant with planning regulations.

Other Planning Matters

The committee also noted the weekly list of planning decisions determined by officers under delegated powers. This included a range of applications across various wards, with decisions on householder extensions, new dwellings, changes of use, and works to protected trees.