The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 25 September 2025, to discuss a planning application for 127 Pollards Hill South, Norbury. The committee ultimately resolved to refuse the application for the demolition of an existing dwelling and the erection of a new four-bedroom detached house, citing concerns over its size, bulk, scale, and resulting impact on the character of the area and street scene.

127 Pollards Hill South, Norbury, London SW16 4LS

The committee considered an application for the demolition of the existing bungalow at 127 Pollards Hill South and the construction of a two-storey, four-bedroom detached dwelling with accommodation in the roof, solar panels, and an outbuilding in the rear garden. The proposal was recommended for approval by officers, who noted that the new dwelling would be in keeping with the character of the area, would not harm neighbouring amenities, and would provide a much-needed family home.

However, during the meeting, significant concerns were raised by both committee members and a local resident regarding the scale and massing of the proposed dwelling. Councillor Helen Redfern and Councillor Fatima Zaman, along with objector Margaret Robson, argued that the proposed house, with a gross internal area of approximately 640 square metres, was excessively large for the plot and out of character with the surrounding street scene, which features a mix of properties but none of comparable size. Despite the officer's assessment that the design was proportionate to the generous plot size and that the inspector in a previous appeal had noted the plot could accommodate a large dwelling, the majority of the committee felt the proposed scale was detrimental.

While the applicant, Dr Imran Qureshi, and his agent, Liam Russell, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the family's long-standing connection to Croydon and the need for family housing, their arguments did not sway the committee. The committee ultimately voted to refuse the application, with the reasons for refusal focusing on the size, bulk, scale, massing, and the resulting impact on the character of the area and street scene.