445-home mixed-use redevelopment at Woburn Court And Bedford Court, Croydon

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing buildings and building four residential blocks with 445 homes, flexible commercial and community space, public realm and play space.

“APPLICATION DETAILS Ref: 24/02260/FUL Location: Woburn Court And Bedford Court, Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2AF Ward: Fairfield Description: Demolition and phased redevelopment to provide four new buildings ranging in height from 4 to 32 storeys for residential within Use Class C3, with flexible space at lower levels within Buildings 1 and 2 for commercial/community uses within Use Classes E, F1 and Sui Generis, together with communal space, plant rooms, cycle and blue…”

Officer report

Objections and support

Residents, groups and councillors raised concerns about height, character, heritage, privacy, daylight, affordability, demolition, parking, infrastructure and construction, while some supported regeneration.

“I can’t see any commitment to mass timber, circular-economy materials or proper whole-life carbon accounting. The new proposal is not too passivhaus standard and the plans could do better at improving biodiversity & green infrastructure. - The percentage of affordable homes in the new proposal should be higher. By removing some of the cheapest housing in the area, with the replacement likely costing more, this will exacerbate the housing crisis.”

“- The scale and height of the development (which is outside the Opportunity Zone) is inappropriate. - It overlooks St Mary’s School, this is a serious concern for privacy and safeguarding. - In general, loss of sunlight and daylight to the surrounding properties is concerning. - The visual impact is out of place with St. Mary’s Church, the Georgian/Victorian buildings adjacent and opposite the proposal and the school behind.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The principal planning officer presented the application; an objector, the agent and the referring ward councillor addressed the committee.

Members considered the application

After hearing the speakers, the committee deliberated before considering a motion to grant the application on the officer’s 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 Fraser. This was seconded by Councillor Islam.”

Minutes

The vote

Ten members voted for the motion to grant, with none voting against and none abstaining.

“The motion to grant the application was taken to a vote with ten members voting in favour, no members voting against and no members abstaining…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of Woburn Court and Bedford Court.

“The Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the application for Woburn Court And Bedford Court, Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2AF.”

Minutes