School buildings and parking at Trinity School, Addiscombe Road, Croydon

What was proposed

The application sought new sixth form, fitness and classroom buildings, demolition and replacement works, improved drop-off arrangements, parking changes and landscaping.

“Ref: 26/00331/FUL Location: Trinity School, Shirley Road/Addiscombe Road, Croydon, CR0 7LB Ward: Shirley South Description: Erection of new sixth form block and fitness suite/classroom block, demolition of staff accommodation, demolition and replacement of estates building, alterations to entrance layout including enhanced drop-off and pick-up area, reconfiguration of staff and visitor car parking areas with associated landscaping.”

“Drawing Nos: TRS-BDP-ZZ-00-PL-A-040001 P02 (Block Plan Demolition); TRS-BDP- 06-ZZ-EL-A-040001 P02 (Cottages Demolition Elevations); TRS-BDP- 06-00-PL-A-040001 P02 (Ground Floor Demolition Plan); TRS-BDP-06- 01-PL-A-040001 P02 (First Floor Demolition Plan); TRS-BDP-05-ZZ- EL-A-040001 P01 (FaFY Demolition Elevation 1); TRS-BDP-02-ZZ-SE- A-200001 P02 (Drama Roof Proposed Section); TRS-BDP-0C-00-PL- A-200001 P02 (Grounds Shed Proposed Plan); TRS-BDP-0C-00-EL-A- 200001 P02…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The school occupies a broadly flat 27-acre campus near Shirley Road and Addiscombe Road, beside a golf course and residential properties.

“The application site is located on the western side of Shirley Road close to the junction of Shirley Road and Addiscombe Road. The site is broadly flat and consists of a 27- acre school campus which forms part of the John Whitgift Foundation, and currently offers comprehensive education for boys aged 10-18, with a co-educational sixth form.”

“Confidential 3.4 The site is bounded to the west by Shirley Park Golf Course which shares a boundary lined by a number of trees. The site is bounded to the north by a number of dwellings which front onto Addiscombe Road with these adjacent building heights ranging between 2 and 3 storeys. The wider site has a PTAL of part 2 and part 3 and is not within a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ).”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier permissions covered sports, classroom, play, school, housing and dining facilities, while pre-application advice concerned a new sixth form and fitness centre.

“06/03208/FUL – Erection of a two-storey sports hall and changing block (Approved) • 10/00495/P – New classroom block with associated infrastructure (Approved) • 13/02646/P – Creation of new hard play area and landscaping (Approved) • 19/04763/FUL – Second floor/roof extension to the existing Turner Building to provide 8 classrooms as well as some office and storage spaces including alterations to the proposed fenestration (Approved) • 22/05305/LE – Material operation…”

“Confidential refuse store, amenity space, solar panels, and landscaping. Realignment and associated works to pedestrian footpath connecting Addiscombe Road to Trinity School (Approved) • 25/02445/FUL – Erection of replacement roof and extension to existing dining hall, including installation of associated AC unit and associated layout alterations (Approved) • 25/02146/PRE – Development of a new sixth form center, fitness center and classroom block, demolition and…”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while ten neighbouring properties objected over building height, privacy, light, noise, traffic, parking and pollution.

“Covered within paragraphs 9.24 to 9.26 · Overlooking/loss of privacy to neighbouring properties · Loss of light and overshadowing to neighbouring properties · Proximity to neighbours clarity required · Fast growing boundary planting requested to mitigate impacts · Light penetration – lighting should be turned down/off at certain times · Noise and disturbance before, during and after school activities · Lack of community engagement with immediate neighbours…”

“Covered within paragraphs 9.45 to 9.53 and 9.83 · Parking and traffic congestion · Noise and pollution impact from vehicles close to neighbouring properties…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Planning officers presented the application, a written objector’s statement was read out, the applicant spoke in support and the referring ward councillor addressed the committee.

The committee’s consideration

After the speakers finished, the committee deliberated and considered a motion to grant the application based on the officer recommendation.

“After the speakers had finished, the Committee deliberated.”

“The motion to GRANT the application based on the officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Redfern. This was seconded by Councillor Srinivasan.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The motion was carried with seven votes in favour, none against and two abstentions, and the application was granted.

“The motion to GRANT the application was taken to a vote and carried with seven members voting in favour and no members voting against and two members abstaining.”

Minutes