The Planning Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 15 January 2026. The committee received a pre-application presentation for the redevelopment of Trinity School and considered a planning application for a new dwelling at land to the rear of 164 Pampersett Road.

Trinity School Redevelopment (Pre-Application)

The committee received a presentation on the proposed redevelopment of Trinity School, located at Shirley Road/Addiscombe Road, Croydon, CR0 7LB. This pre-application item focused on the proposed erection of new sixth form and fitness suite/classroom blocks, demolition of staff accommodation, and reconfiguration of parking areas.

The applicants, represented by Richard Henley of HGH Consulting, Robin Paulson of BDP, and Matt Harris of Mark Edee's Transport Advisors, presented their Trinity 2030 vision. This plan aims to extend co-educational learning, increase pupil numbers, and enhance educational and community facilities. Key aspects discussed included:

• Educational and Community Benefits: The proposed redevelopment aims to provide enhanced teaching, sports, and sixth form facilities, alongside community access to sports amenities. Officers believed these benefits would outweigh the loss of staff accommodation.
• Site Layout and Design: The proposal includes new buildings to the north of the main school and relocated car parking to the south-east. While officers supported the general site layout, they noted that the architectural treatment and materiality of the proposed buildings required further refinement. Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the visual impact of the buildings, particularly the extensive glazing on the sixth form block and the overall colour scheme.
• Parking and Transport: The plan proposes 175 car parking spaces, a reconfigured layout, and enhanced drop-off facilities to accommodate increased staff and pupil numbers. Significant discussion revolved around the adequacy of the parking provision, potential traffic impacts on surrounding roads, and the need for robust travel plans to encourage sustainable transport. Councillors expressed concerns about the size of modern vehicles and their potential to overhang narrow pavements, impacting pedestrian safety. The applicant stated that the proposed parking provision was based on current school needs and that TfL's input would be crucial.
• Sustainability: The project aims to achieve BREEAM excellence, with a focus on a fabric-first approach, fossil-free development, and low-carbon construction. The urban greening factor was reported to be 0.49, exceeding policy targets, and a 10.48% biodiversity net gain was anticipated.
• Loss of Staff Accommodation: The demolition of four staff accommodation units was discussed, with officers noting this was a policy transgression. However, they considered the benefits of the scheme to outweigh this loss, especially as a previously approved development at 208 Addiscombe Road would provide alternative staff accommodation.

The committee members engaged in a detailed discussion, raising points about the design coherence, the impact on neighbouring properties, and the sufficiency of transport infrastructure. As this was a pre-application stage, no formal decisions were taken; the committee's feedback will inform the subsequent planning application.

Land to the Rear of 164 Pampersett Road, South Croydon (Planning Application)

The committee considered a planning application for the erection of a two-storey detached three-bedroom dwelling with accommodation in the roof space and a basement level at land to the rear of 164 Pampersett Road, South Croydon, CR0 7LJ. This site has a history of refused applications and dismissed appeals, primarily due to concerns over scale, massing, and character.

• Decision: The committee resolved to refuse the application.
• Reason for Refusal: The refusal was based on the grounds of the size and massing of the proposed development, particularly the rear dormer, which was considered to be overly dominant and detrimental to the character and appearance of the area.
• Discussion: Councillors expressed significant concerns that the current proposal, despite minor amendments, did not adequately address the reasons for previous refusals and appeals. Specific issues raised included:
  • Scale and Massing: Despite a slight reduction in the main building's height, the bulky rear dormer was seen as making the development appear overbearing and out of character with the low-density cul-de-sac of Barnard's Place.
  • Relationship with Neighbouring Properties: Concerns remained about the proximity and impact on No. 1 Barnard's Place, with councillors feeling the spatial separation was insufficient.
  • Parking and Highway Safety: The adequacy of the five-metre parking depth was questioned, with worries that modern vehicles would overhang the narrow pavement, impacting pedestrian safety. The limited pavement on Barnard's Place and the potential for increased congestion were also highlighted.
  • Internal Ceiling Heights: A point was raised regarding the low ceiling heights in the basement, which were noted as not meeting the London Plan's minimum requirements for habitable rooms.

The officer's recommendation to grant permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement, was not supported by the committee, who ultimately voted to refuse the application.

Other Planning Matters

The committee noted the weekly planning decisions taken between 22 December 2025 and 4 January 2026.