The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday 4 December 2025 and granted planning permission for the subdivision of a garden to create a new dwelling at 17 Convent Hill, Upper Norwood. The decision was made after considering objections from local residents regarding the impact on amenity and character, and support from the applicant's architect.

Planning Application for Decision: 17 Convent Hill, Upper Norwood

The committee considered the application for the subdivision of the garden at 17 Convent Hill, Upper Norwood, London, SE19 3QY to allow for the construction of a new dwelling with access from Beaumont Road.

Decision: Planning permission was granted.

Discussion:

The proposal involved creating a new four-bedroom dwelling on the site of the existing garden. The presenting officer, Joe Sales, a senior planning officer for the North Team, outlined the plans, noting an addendum regarding dormer windows that had been constructed at a nearby property, 63 Bradley Road, which had been incorporated into the assessment. The proposed dwelling would be 1.5 storeys high, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding suburban character, which consists of a mix of single and two-storey detached, semi-detached, and terraced properties.

Concerns were raised by objectors, including Laura Cawthorne, a resident of 63 Bradley Road, and Councillor Claire Bonham, the referring ward councillor. Their primary concerns included the potential loss of privacy, light, and views for neighbouring properties, the overbearing nature of the proposed building, and its impact on the character of the area. They also questioned the reassessment of the light survey in light of the new dormer windows and sought clarity on the management of an ash tree.

Charles Betts, the architect for the proposals, spoke in support of the application. He highlighted that the design had evolved through pre-application discussions with the council, resulting in a more traditional aesthetic and sculpted massing to mitigate impacts. He stated that measures such as obscure glazing, no side-facing windows, and stepped floor levels had been incorporated to safeguard neighbour privacy. Mr. Betts also detailed amendments made in response to neighbour consultation, including adjustments to the vehicular entrance and boundary treatments, and the proposed planting of new trees and hedgerows. He asserted that daylight and sunlight studies demonstrated policy-compliant impacts, with reductions to windows well within British Research Establishment (BRE) guidance.

Councillor Sean Fitzsimons spoke about the need for family homes, referencing the housing crisis and the government's support for gentle densification to avoid building on greenbelt land. He weighed the potential harm against the benefit of providing a much-needed family home.

Councillor Lara Fish, Deputy Cabinet Member for Customer Service, expressed that she was mixed on the application but was reassured by the clarification that the boundary with 63 Bradley Road was primarily a garage rather than a garden area. She also noted the positive aspect of the developer and neighbours being prepared to work together.

Councillor Clive Fraser, Vice-Chair of the committee, acknowledged the loss of openness for existing residents but emphasised the need for more homes to bring down prices. He felt the scheme had been well-considered and that further engagement could lead to an improved outcome.

Councillor Helen Redfern commented on the design, noting it had a nod to the local style and provided a different housing stock, which was positive given the need for family homes. She expressed hope that the developer's commitment to cooperate with neighbours would be realised.

Ultimately, the committee voted to grant planning permission. Councillor Helen Redfern proposed the motion to grant, which was seconded by Councillor Clive Fraser. The decision was subject to the implementation of a landscaping proposal, including planting details along the boundary shared with 63 Bradley Road. The committee resolved to grant the application with six members voting in favour, none against, and no abstentions. The Chair, Councillor Michael Neal, expressed his hope that the architect and developer would work closely with neighbours.

The meeting concluded at 8:03 pm.