The Planning Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 21 March 2024, to consider a single planning application. The committee resolved to grant permission for extensions to the Best Western hotel in Upper Norwood.

Best Western Hotel, 122 Church Road, Upper Norwood, London, SE19

The committee granted planning permission for part demolition and the construction of rear extensions to the Best Western hotel. The proposed development includes extensions to the lower ground and ground floors to accommodate additional hotel space, with a rear infill at first and second floors. This will result in a net increase of six hotel rooms, bringing the total to 336, and will also provide a new dining area for residents.

The application was presented to the committee due to objections received from local residents and societies, including the Norwood Society and Fitzroy Wakefield Residents Association. Concerns raised included overdevelopment, the potential use of the hotel for asylum seekers, and the design's impact on the locally listed building and the Church Road Conservation Area. Objectors also raised issues regarding the quality and natural light provision for rooms, overlooking of neighbouring gardens, noise, and highway disruption.

Officers advised that the principle of extending the hotel was acceptable, and that the design, while contemporary for the lower ground and ground floor extensions, would incorporate materials that relate to the existing building. The infill extensions at first and second floors were designed to blend with the existing hotel. Conditions were recommended to ensure the use of high-quality materials, landscaping, and to address privacy concerns, such as requiring obscure glazing for the dining room windows and prohibiting the use of the extension roof as a balcony or terrace.

During deliberations, councillors discussed the potential for the hotel to be used for asylum seekers, noting that this was not a material planning consideration in itself and that the proposed rooms were not suitable for long-term accommodation outside of the C1 Use Class. Concerns about the impact on neighbouring amenities were addressed by the proposed conditions. The committee also considered the impact on the local transport network, trees, and biodiversity, finding them acceptable.

The substantive motion to grant the application, based on the officer's recommendation, was proposed by Councillor Mark Johnson and seconded by Councillor Danielle Denton. The motion was carried with five members voting in favour, four against, and one abstention.

The committee also resolved to note the weekly planning decisions as contained within the report.