The Croydon Planning Committee met on Thursday 16 October 2025 to discuss two significant planning applications. The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the Regina Road Estate, a large-scale regeneration project, and resolved to refuse the retrospective planning application for Aveline Apartments at 12 The Ridge Way.

Regina Road Estate Redevelopment Approved

The committee resolved to grant planning permission for a hybrid application concerning the Regina Road Estate in South Norwood. This extensive regeneration project involves the demolition of existing buildings and the phased development of nine blocks of residential units, a pre-school, community space, and a multi-use games area. The full planning application element includes 225 residential units, while an outline application seeks permission for up to 115 additional residential units in two further blocks.

The development aims to provide a significant number of new homes, including 215 social rent units and 10 safeguarded units for returning leaseholders in Phase 1. The project was praised for its commitment to estate regeneration, learning from past mistakes, and improving housing quality for residents. Key features highlighted included enhanced public realm, improved play and sports facilities, and a focus on community engagement.

Concerns were raised during the debate regarding the provision of larger family homes, parking provision, and the size of the community space. However, the committee ultimately resolved to grant permission, acknowledging the substantial benefits of the scheme in addressing housing needs and improving the local environment.

Aveline Apartments Retrospective Application Refused

The committee resolved to refuse a retrospective planning application for Aveline Apartments at 12 The Ridge Way, South Croydon. The application sought to regularise a development that had already been built, which differed from the original planning permission granted in 2019.

Significant discrepancies were noted between the approved plans and the as-built development, including increased building height, changes in land levels leading to inaccessible ground floor openings, and the omission of a previously approved lift. Objectors and ward councillors raised concerns about the building's excessive size, massing, poor relationship with neighbouring properties, materials used, accessibility issues, and inadequate parking provision.

Despite the applicant's arguments that the changes were non-material and that the development provided much-needed homes, the committee ultimately resolved 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, and accessibility, which were deemed to be harmful to the local character and amenity.

Other Planning Matters

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