The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 4 December 2025, to discuss a single planning application. The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the subdivision of a garden at 17 Convent Hill, Upper Norwood, to construct a new dwelling.

Planning Application for Decision

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. The proposal included associated cycle and refuse storage facilities.

Decision: Grant permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement for sustainable transport contributions and the imposition of conditions.

Discussion:

Senior Planning Officer Joe Sales presented the application, outlining the proposal for a four-bedroom, two-storey dwelling. He explained that the subdivision would comply with local plan policy DM10, ensuring the host dwelling retained sufficient garden space. The new dwelling would front Beaumont Road, with a new vehicular and pedestrian access, and would include one car parking space. Mr. Sales detailed the design, noting its 1.5-storey height and use of materials such as red brick and white render, intended to be sympathetic to the surrounding suburban character. He also addressed concerns regarding daylight and sunlight, stating that a BRE assessment indicated acceptable levels for neighbouring properties.

During the discussion, Councillor Helen Redfern inquired about the accessibility of the downstairs bedroom, and was informed it would be step-free. Councillor Lara Fish sought clarification on the nature of the boundary with 63 Bradley Road, confirming it was a garage, and also asked about the BRE assessment in light of the new dormer windows. Councillor Humayun Kabir raised concerns about the safety of vehicles exiting the site, to which Mr. Sales responded that visibility splays had been achieved.

Three speakers addressed the committee: Laura Cawthorne, representing objectors, raised concerns about loss of privacy, light, and the design's impact on the area's character. She requested a reassessment of the light survey due to the new dormer windows and sought clarity on tree management. Charles Betts, the architect for the applicant, highlighted that the design had evolved through pre-application discussions and neighbour consultation, incorporating amendments such as adjusting the vehicular entrance and enhancing boundary treatments with hedgerows. He emphasised that the scheme complied with local policies and that daylight and sunlight impacts were within acceptable limits. Councillor Clare Bonham, the referring ward councillor, expressed concerns about the precedent this development might set, potentially leading to overdevelopment and a change in the area's character. She stressed the importance of ensuring adequate screening and suggested a need for a diverse mix of housing in the borough.

Following the speakers, the committee deliberated. Councillors noted the need for family homes and the gentle densification approach advocated by national policy. They acknowledged the objectors' concerns regarding the loss of openness but balanced this against the housing need. The architect's commitment to continued engagement with neighbours was seen as a positive factor. The committee also discussed the conditions that would be imposed, including those relating to landscaping and boundary treatments.

Ultimately, the committee voted to grant planning permission. Councillor Helen Redfern proposed the motion to grant, seconded by Councillor Clive Fraser. The motion was carried with six votes in favour and none against. The committee also agreed to extend the wording of condition five, relating to landscaping, to explicitly include hedge planting along the boundary shared with number 63 Bradley Road.