The Croydon Planning Committee met on Thursday, 16 October 2025, to discuss two significant planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for the Regina Road Estate redevelopment, a hybrid application proposing the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of up to 340 residential units, a pre-school, community space, and other amenities. In contrast, the committee refused planning permission for a retrospective application concerning Aveline Apartments at 12 The Ridge Way, South Croydon, which sought to regularise a development that deviated from its original consent.

Regina Road Estate Redevelopment

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Regina Road Estate in South Norwood. This hybrid application includes a full planning application for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of nine blocks and five dwellinghouses, providing 225 residential units, a pre-school, community space, and a Multi-use Games Area. An outline application also seeks permission for two further blocks, comprising up to 115 residential units.

The redevelopment aims to significantly improve housing provision in the borough, with Phase 1 delivering 215 social rent units and 10 units for returning leaseholders. The scheme also incorporates substantial improvements to public realm, play, and sports facilities, including a new community green space and enhanced community growing areas.

Key considerations during the discussion included the housing mix, with a focus on increasing the provision of larger family homes, and the impact on heritage assets. While the proposed 14-storey tower in Phase 2 was considered to have the potential for less than substantial harm to the South Norwood Conservation Area, this was deemed to be outweighed by the significant public benefits of the scheme, including the delivery of much-needed housing and affordable homes. The committee also discussed parking provision, with a strategy to balance the needs of returning residents with the promotion of sustainable transport, including the potential introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone and car club spaces.

Aveline Apartments, 12 The Ridge Way, South Croydon

The committee refused planning permission for a retrospective application concerning Aveline Apartments at 12 The Ridge Way, South Croydon. The application sought to regularise a development that had been built with several deviations from the original planning permission granted in 2019.

Significant discrepancies identified included the building being taller than approved, with terraces constructed due to unforeseen land level changes, leading to inaccessible ground-floor openings. Concerns were also raised about the omission of a lift, rendering upper-level flats inaccessible to wheelchair users, and the use of brick slips as external materials, which had been previously refused. Furthermore, issues were raised regarding privacy, parking provision, and the overall quality and character of the development.

Despite the applicant's arguments that the changes were non-material and that the development provided much-needed homes, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application. The refusal was based on the cumulative impact of the deviations from the approved plans, particularly concerning height, massing, scale, overlooking, accessibility, and the overall quality and character of the development, which were considered to be harmful to the local area. The committee's decision aimed to send a strong message to developers about the importance of adhering to planning rules and consents.

Other Planning Matters

The committee also noted the weekly list of planning decisions made under delegated powers and by committee between 15 September and 5 October 2025.