340-home estate redevelopment at Sunny Bank, South Norwood, London SE25

The site and surroundings

The estate is a predominantly mid-1960s social housing site of about two hectares, with existing towers, housing, a pre-school, play area and MUGA.

“Regina Road Estate is predominantly a mid-1960s social housing estate located in South Norwood. Regina Road runs through the estate and is bounded on its southern and western sides by Sunny Bank, and to the north-west by Manor Road. To the north is the rear of neighbouring properties on Bradshaw Close and Camile Close. At the south-eastern boundary of the site is Bevill Close. The site area is shown below in figure 13.”

Officer report

Main planning considerations

Officers assessed housing, affordable homes, design, heritage, neighbours, transport, trees, biodiversity, sustainability and the surrounding environment.

“The main planning issues raised by the application that the Planning Committee are required to consider are:”

“Principle of development. Affordable housing, housing mix and quality of residential accommodation. Impact on the appearance of the site, surrounding area and heritage. Impact on neighbouring properties’ living conditions. Transport, parking and highways. Trees and biodiversity. Sustainable design. Impact on surrounding environment. Equalities 10. Other planning issues.”

Officer report

Neighbour comments

Seven individual responses included three objections, two supporting comments and two other responses; concerns included daylight, privacy, noise, construction, trees and the tower.

“Summary of Objectors Concerns Officer’s Response Loss of light to properties in Regina Road The neighbouring properties on Regina Road, which currently benefit from excellent levels of daylight due to the site's relatively open character, will experience some reduction in light as a result of the proposed development. However, the retained levels of daylight will remain high and appropriate for the context.”

“To further enhance safety and resilience, it is recommended that Secure by Design principles be incorporated to ensure the layout actively discourages crime. Impact on property value Not a material planning consideration. Questioning how much traffic, dirt and noise there will be during construction. These impacts have been considered by the applicant and are addressed within their submission.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The principal planning officer presented the item, and the corporate director of housing, an architectural partner and another speaker supported the application.

Committee discussion

The committee began deliberating after the speakers finished, and a motion to grant based on the officer recommendation was proposed and seconded.

“After the speakers had finished, the Committee began the deliberation.”

“The substantive motion to GRANT the application based on the officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Clive Fraser. This was seconded by Councillor Luke Shortland.”

Minutes

The vote

Ten members voted in favour, with no votes against and no abstentions.

“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 final decision

The committee resolved to grant the application for the estate redevelopment.

“Therefore, the Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the application for Regina Road Estate, Regina Road and Sunny Bank, South Norwood, London, SE25 4TT.”

Minutes