The Planning Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 30 April 2026, to discuss several planning applications. The committee considered the application for extensions and redevelopment at Trinity School, Shirley Road/Addiscombe Road, Croydon, and the application for 13 Harewood Road, South Croydon. The committee was unable to reach a decision on the application for 24 Churchill, Purley, and delegated the decision to officers.

Trinity School, Shirley Road/Addiscombe Road, Croydon

The committee granted planning permission for the erection of a new sixth form block and fitness suite/classroom block at Trinity School. The development includes the demolition of staff accommodation and an estates building, alterations to the entrance layout with an enhanced drop-off and pick-up area, and the reconfiguration of staff and visitor car parking, along with associated landscaping. The decision was made subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure planning obligations including employment and training, travel plan compliance, public realm delivery and maintenance, retention of scheme architects, and the use of 208 Addiscombe Road for staff accommodation. Councillors debated the impact on neighbouring properties, particularly regarding overlooking and lighting, but ultimately supported the officer's recommendation for approval, noting the significant separation distances and proposed landscaping. Concerns were raised about the cycle parking provision being below London Plan standards, but officers stated that the current provision was acceptable and could be increased if the travel plan demonstrated high usage. The scheme was praised for its architectural quality and its contribution to enhancing school facilities and making the school fully co-educational.

13 Harewood Road, South Croydon

The Planning Committee refused the application for the erection of a three-storey block of flats and two detached houses at 13 Harewood Road. The refusal was based on three grounds: overdevelopment of the site due to the positioning of the homes at the rear, the size and layout of the building, particularly its L-shaped nature; concerns over internal site layout and safety due to the absence of a delineated footpath; and the lack of a legal agreement to secure planning obligations. While officers had recommended granting permission, citing policy compliance and acceptable impacts on neighbouring amenity, the committee expressed concerns about the density, design, and safety aspects of the proposal. The decision to refuse was made after a tied vote, with the Chair casting the deciding vote against the officer's recommendation.

24 Churchill, Purley

The committee was unable to reach a decision on the application for alterations and extensions to 24 Churchill to provide two additional residential units. After a tied vote on the officer's recommendation to grant permission, and a subsequent tied vote on a motion to refuse the application, the committee resolved to delegate the decision to officers. This decision was made due to the committee's inability to agree on the grounds for refusal, with concerns raised about the design, massing, and impact on neighbouring amenity, as well as the cluttered forecourt area. Officers advised caution regarding refusal on design grounds, citing previous appeal decisions that found the design acceptable, and suggested that a refusal based solely on the forecourt clutter might be more sustainable. Ultimately, the committee opted to defer the decision to officers.

Other Planning Matters

The committee noted the list of planning applications determined under delegated powers since the last meeting, as detailed in the weekly planning decisions report. Due to time constraints, members were advised to contact officers directly if they had any questions regarding these decisions. The meeting concluded shortly after the subcommittee began, with the decision on the 24 Churchill application being delegated to officers.