The Planning Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 4 April 2024, to consider a significant redevelopment proposal at Whytecliffe Road South and Purley Station Car Park. The committee resolved to grant permission for this development, which will see the demolition of existing housing and the construction of new residential buildings alongside a replacement station car park.

Redevelopment of Whytecliffe Road South and Purley Station Car Park

The committee granted permission for the redevelopment of 26 to 52 Whytecliffe Road South and Purley Station Car Park, CR8 2AW. The proposal involves demolishing three terraces of houses and the existing surface-level car park to erect two new buildings. One building will be part 6, part 8, and part 9 storeys high, while the other will be part 4 and part 5 storeys. Together, they will provide 238 residential units, a replacement station car park, community indoor space, disabled parking, communal amenity space, and public realm improvements.

During the discussion, officers clarified queries regarding the Place Review Panel's (PRP) advice on introducing greater sky gaps at upper levels. It was explained that the PRP's role is advisory, and the decision to not fully incorporate the suggestion was a balance between aesthetic improvements and the impact on the number of residential units, including affordable housing. The committee also discussed the existing number of three-bedroom units on the site, noting that while some original homes may have had three bedrooms, others were likely two-bedroom properties that may have been extended.

Concerns about the capacity of the rail network to accommodate the additional 112 residents travelling by train during the morning peak were addressed. Purley station was deemed to have high capacity, and Network Rail had not raised any objections. The proposed community space was confirmed to be available for 20 hours a day, with access for charity groups and residents outside these hours.

Ward Member Councillor Samir Dwesar spoke on the application, and Marco Tomasi and Richard Quelch spoke in support. The committee deliberated on several points, acknowledging the five-year development period of the scheme and the applicant's efforts to address previous concerns about height. While the proposed nine-storey building exceeded Purley's eight-storey limit, members noted that such heights were not uncommon locally and they were comfortable with the proposal. The development was recognised for providing a considerable net gain in housing units, contributing to the council's housing strategy and addressing demand in the area.

Sustainability aspects were highlighted, including the development's proximity to the train station and the inclusion of solar panels and energy-efficient measures. The provision of a courtyard for residents, acceptable car park access, and the potential for the town centre to expand due to increased population were also noted. The application had undergone extensive review, including three presentations to the PRP and two pre-application stages. Members were satisfied that the development would not cause substantial harm to views of listed buildings, particularly the train station.

However, some concerns were raised. The reduction in the number of spaces in the train station car park was not viewed favourably. The absence of first-time buyer homes within the affordable housing provision was also a point of disappointment. Despite these points, the committee acknowledged the developers' responsiveness to feedback from resident consultations and the design panel. The design and materials were considered sensitive to the local area, with the set-back and contrasting colour of the top floor working well. Improvements to the public realm, including new tree planting, a cycle hub, and the reinstatement of footpaths, were seen as positive enhancements.

Ultimately, the substantive motion to grant the application, based on the officer's recommendation, was proposed by Councillor Fraser and seconded by Councillor Srinivasan. The motion was carried with ten members voting in favour.

Weekly Planning Decisions

The committee resolved to note the weekly planning decisions as contained within the report. These decisions covered delegated and Planning Committee/Subcommittee decisions taken between 11 March 2024 and 22 March 2024.