The Croydon Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday 14 August 2025, approving a retrospective planning application for decking at 151 Caterham Drive, Coulsdon, and granting permission for a change of use at 14 Stafford Road, Croydon, to a 12-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

151 Caterham Drive, Coulsdon

The committee granted permission for the retention of land levels, retaining walls, decking areas, steps, balustrading, and the provision of additional screening adjacent to the boundary with number 153 Caterham Drive. The application was retrospective, meaning the development had already been carried out.

During the discussion, Councillor Lara Fish, Deputy Cabinet Member for Customer Service, inquired about the type of screening that could be used, and the presenting officer confirmed that the committee could consider alternative screening options. Councillor Fish also raised concerns about the potential for overlooking and suggested that the committee could condition a higher screening height if deemed appropriate.

Concerns were raised by objectors, including Juliette Cole, about the retrospective nature of the application, alleged inaccuracies in the submitted plans, and the environmental impact of the development. Councillor Nikhil Sherine Thampi, the ward councillor, also spoke against the application, highlighting its visual dominance, overbearing impact, and potential for increased noise disturbance and flood risk.

Officers clarified that matters of construction and Party Wall Act issues were civil matters outside the scope of planning. They also addressed an allegation of impropriety within the planning department, stating that all officers make declarations of interest and that applications are handled by unassociated officers.

The committee ultimately voted to grant permission with conditions, including the provision of 1.7m high screening and details of landscaping to be agreed with the local planning authority.

14 Stafford Road, Croydon

Permission was granted for the change of use of a single-family dwellinghouse to a 12-bedroom, 12-person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), along with the provision of refuse and cycle storage and the installation of new side and roof light windows.

The presenting officer, Ross Gentry, explained that the property, at 337 square meters, was not subject to policies protecting smaller family homes or three-bedroom properties. He detailed the proposed layout across three floors, with kitchens and en-suite bedrooms on each level.

Councillor Sean Fitzsimons, Shadow Cabinet Member for Planning & Regulatory Services, raised concerns about the number of rooms and the lack of a communal living area, but ultimately supported the officer's recommendation, stating that the proposal met HMO standards and offered better stacking and insulation than some other HMOs. Councillor Lara Fish echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the lack of a communal area but agreeing that the application met current standards and should be approved on its merits. Councillor Appu Srinivasan also expressed concerns about the roof-level kitchen and the lack of communal space but ultimately supported the application due to its compliance with policies.

Councillor Rye, the ward councillor, objected to the application, citing concerns about overcrowding, substandard accommodation, an inadequate number of kitchens and communal spaces, and an over-concentration of HMOs in the area. He also highlighted the lack of a parking survey and the moderate public transport accessibility rating, arguing that this would lead to increased parking stress. Officers responded by stating that the proposal met HMO standards, that the number of HMOs in the area was not considered an over-concentration under current policy, and that the development was policy-compliant in being car-free.

The committee voted to grant permission, subject to a legal agreement to restrict residents from obtaining parking permits and to reinstate the vehicular crossover. Conditions were also imposed regarding fire safety, cycle storage, and refuse management.

Other Planning Matters

The committee also noted the weekly planning decisions taken by delegated officers between 14 July and 3 August 2025, as detailed in the report.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Michael Neill, Chair of the Planning Sub-Committee, thanking attendees and confirming that a webcast of the meeting would be available on the Council's website.