The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 18 April 2024, to consider two planning applications for residential extensions and to note weekly planning decisions. The committee granted planning permission for extensions at 11 Forrest Gardens, Norbury, and for a retrospective application for an outbuilding at 100 Downs Road, Coulsdon.

Planning Applications for Decision

11 Forrest Gardens, Norbury, London, SW16 4LP

The committee granted planning permission for the erection of an upward extension, two-storey side and rear extensions, and the conversion of a garage at 11 Forrest Gardens. The application also included alterations to the roof with rear and side dormers, installation of rooflights, alterations to fenestration, hard landscaping, and car parking provision for four off-street spaces in the front garden.

During the meeting, officers explained that objectors had not been re-consulted on aesthetic changes to the property, that a daylight/sunlight report was not required due to separation distances, and that the site had a low risk of surface water and groundwater flooding. A condition was recommended for landscaping to be agreed prior to the dwelling's use. It was noted that the property was not a listed building and that the proposal retained a single dwellinghouse with two parking spaces, in line with London Plan maximums.

However, some committee members expressed concerns. Councillor Ian Parker and Councillor Lara Fish proposed granting the application, while two members voted against it. Points raised during deliberation included:

• The existing building's character predating surrounding structures.
• The proposed use of white rendering, which matched neighbouring properties.
• Changes to the design and height of the proposed development during the application process.
• Doubt over whether the development was in keeping with the neighbourhood.
• Concerns that the use of obscure windows to prevent overlooking was not a permanent solution.
• The age of the building and the potential misalignment of significant design changes with the character of surrounding buildings.
• Concerns over the loss of parking spaces.
• Disagreement over the proposed grey roof tiles, contrasting with the red tiles on other properties in the area.
• Confirmation that the proposed development was policy compliant.

The motion to grant the application was carried with four votes in favour and two against.

100 Downs Road, Coulsdon, CR5 1AF

The committee granted planning permission for the retrospective application to erect a two-storey outbuilding to provide ancillary accommodation at 100 Downs Road.

During the deliberation, members noted that the application differed materially from a previously approved scheme. The proposed development was 0.5m higher, with increased massing, a more prominent roof, and the addition of a canopy. However, it was considered that the development remained subservient to the host property and had been moved further from the rear boundary. A condition was highlighted that the property was only permitted for residential domestic use, with enforcement action to be taken if this condition was breached. The development was deemed policy compliant and its design was considered to be in keeping with the character of the local area.

Andrew Vallance spoke in objection to the application, while Ms Emma Wild spoke in support. Councillor Lara Fish and Councillor Mohammed Islam proposed granting the application. The motion to grant the application was carried with six votes in favour.

Other Planning Matters

The committee resolved to note the weekly planning decisions as presented in the report.

The meeting concluded at 7:39 pm.