The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to consider two planning applications. The committee granted permission for the erection of three new dwellings on land to the rear of 1 Oak Gardens and approved the change of use of two properties at 18 & 18A Cobden Road to residential care homes for children, along with associated building works.

Land Rear of 1 Oak Gardens

Permission was granted for the erection of three new dwellings, including access and landscaping, on land to the rear of 1 Oak Gardens. The decision was made following a presentation by Team Leader Jan Slominski and a statement from David Morse in support of the application. Councillor Clive Fraser proposed the motion to grant permission, which was seconded by Councillor Mohammed Islam. The motion was carried with six members voting in favour and none against. The development will include three 3-bedroom houses, with parking provided for each new dwelling and two spaces for the existing property at 1 Oak Gardens. The decision was made subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure contributions towards sustainable travel improvements, car club membership, and other necessary planning obligations. A range of conditions were also imposed, covering aspects such as construction logistics, environmental management, drainage, materials, landscaping, biodiversity, lighting, refuse storage, and energy efficiency.

18 & 18A Cobden Road

The committee granted planning permission for the change of use of two dwelling houses at 18 & 18A Cobden Road, Croydon SE25 5NX to two residential care homes for children, with each home accommodating up to two children. The permission also covers the erection of a rear dormer roof extension, the insertion of two rooflights, and alterations to the fenestration at 18A Cobden Road, with the dormer and some fenestration changes being retrospective. Planning Officer Katy Park presented the report. Objections were raised by Kevin Lawrence and Scott Beaman, while Rodney Watts spoke in support. Councillor Lara Fish proposed the motion to grant permission, with an amendment to Condition 6 regarding obscure glazing for the second-floor rear dormer windows of 18A Cobden Road. Councillor Fraser seconded the motion. The committee voted to grant permission with six members in favour and none against. The decision was made subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure the occupancy of the children's homes and prioritise local need. Conditions were imposed regarding the commencement of development, approved drawings, cycle parking, an operational management plan, and obscure glazing for the dormer windows. The report noted that the proposal would result in the loss of one smaller dwelling as originally built, but this was weighed against the identified need for such care facilities within the borough.