The Croydon Planning Committee met on Thursday, 30 April 2026, to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of plans for Trinity School to expand and become fully co-educational, and the refusal of plans for a development at 24 Churchill, Purley, due to concerns about its design and impact on the street scene. Plans for a development at 13 Harewood Road were refused on grounds of overdevelopment, safety concerns regarding the internal site layout, and the absence of a legal agreement for planning obligations.

Trinity School Expansion Approved

The committee approved plans for Trinity School¹ in Croydon to undergo a phased development. This will involve the demolition of existing staff accommodation and a maintenance store to make way for two new three-storey buildings, linked by a two-storey element. The new facilities will include a fitness suite, classrooms, and a sixth form block. The project aims to increase student capacity by 348 and teaching staff by 23, facilitating the school's transition to full co-education by 2031.

The development will also see a reconfiguration of parking, with a net reduction of 12 spaces, but an increase in designated pick-up and drop-off points and minibus parking. Significant landscaping improvements are planned, including the planting of 93 new trees, contributing to urban greening and biodiversity.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Helen Redfern¹ and Councillor Sean Fitzsimons¹ regarding potential overlooking of neighbouring properties and the maturity of proposed tree planting for screening. Officers confirmed that separation distances exceed policy requirements and that landscaping details would be subject to planning conditions. Councillor Clive Fraser¹ questioned the provision of cycle parking, noting it was below London Plan standards, but officers explained that the provision would double existing capacity and could be increased if needed through the travel plan. He also raised concerns about the lack of new solar panels or green roofs, though officers noted the buildings would achieve BREEAM Excellent standards. Councillor Mohamed Islam¹ sought assurance that the repurposed staff accommodation at 208 Addiscombe Road would remain exclusively for staff use, which officers confirmed would be secured via a Section 106 agreement.

Following deliberation, the committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement covering employment and training obligations, travel plan monitoring, public realm delivery and maintenance, retention of scheme architects, and securing the use of 208 Addiscombe Road for staff accommodation.

13 Harewood Road Development Refused

Plans for a development at 13 Harewood Road¹ in South Croydon were refused by the committee. The proposal included the erection of a three-storey block of flats and two detached two-storey houses, along with associated parking and landscaping.

Councillor Lara Fish¹, speaking on the application, expressed concerns about the overdevelopment of the site, particularly the L-shaped nature of the building and its proximity to neighbouring properties. She also raised safety issues regarding the internal site layout and the absence of a delineated footpath. Councillor Sean Fitzsimons¹ seconded the motion for refusal, citing similar concerns.

Officers highlighted that while the development met many policy requirements, including housing targets and quality of accommodation, the committee's concerns about the design, layout, and safety aspects were significant. The lack of a legal agreement to secure planning obligations was also cited as a reason for refusal.

The committee voted to refuse the application on three grounds: overdevelopment due to the positioning and layout of the rear homes, safety concerns regarding the internal site layout and lack of a designated footpath, and the absence of a legal agreement to secure planning obligations.

24 Churchill, Purley Development Refused

Plans for alterations and extensions at 24 Churchill, Purley¹, to create two additional residential units were refused by the committee. The proposal involved adding a three-storey block of flats and two detached houses.

Councillor Helen Redfern¹ described the proposal as incongruous, stating it took up too much of the plot's width and impinged on the amenity of neighbouring properties. Councillor Mark Johnson¹ also voiced concerns about the frontage, describing it as cluttered and out of character with the surrounding streets.

Officers noted that a previous inspector had found the design and massing acceptable, and that the proposal met many policy requirements. However, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application on design grounds, citing poor quality design due to the clutter in the forecourt and its implications for the street scene.

Other Planning Matters

The committee noted a list of planning applications determined under delegated powers since the last meeting.

Subcommittee Meeting

Following the main Planning Committee meeting, a subcommittee meeting commenced. Councillor Michael Neill¹, Chair of the Planning Committee, welcomed attendees and reminded members of the pre-election sensitivity period. Apologies were received from Councillor Mohammed Islam¹ and Councillor Helen Redfern¹. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved, and no disclosures of interest were made. There was no urgent business.

The subcommittee then considered planning application 26/00331/FUL for Trinity School¹, which was approved. They also considered application 25/04001/FUL for 13 Harewood Road¹, which was refused. Finally, application 25/03984/FUL for 24 Churchill, Purley¹, was refused.

Due to time constraints, the subcommittee meeting was extended by 30 minutes. The committee then moved to item 5.1, application 8 Riley Rise, South Croydon¹, for alterations and extensions. Following deliberation, the committee was tied on whether to grant or refuse permission. As a result, the decision was delegated to officers.