Nine flats and community space at The Chapel, 29 Chaucer Gardens, Coulsdon

What was proposed

The application proposed nine flats, café and workspace uses, bus-driver welfare facilities, retained transmission equipment, conversion works and new storage.

“Confidential PLANNING COMMITTEE AGENDA 5 th February 2026 PART 6: Planning Applications for Decision Item 4 1.0 APPLICATION DETAILS Ref: 25/03178/FUL Location: The Chapel, 29 Chaucer Gardens, Coulsdon Ward: Coulsdon Town Description: Change of use to 9 Class C3 residential units and Class E uses including a cafe and workspace with lounge, break out room, meeting rooms, retention of BBC transmission equipment, welfare facilities for bus drivers, plus overall works of…”

“Associated changes to hard landscaping with creation of external bin and bicycle stores Drawings: 0001 Location Plan P1 1000 Existing Site Plan P1 1150 Existing Ground Floor Fabric Amendments Plan P1 1151 Existing First Floor Fabric Amendments Plan P1 1152 Existing Second Floor Fabric Amendments Plan P1 1153 Existing Third Floor Fabric Amendments Plan P2 1154 Existing Roof Fabric Amendments Plan P1 1250 Existing Elevations A-A & B-B Fabric Amendments Plan P2 1251 Existing…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The chapel is a locally listed building within a residential development, on land affected by Green Belt, tree protection and surface-water flooding.

“Figure 2 – Site location plan 3.3 The site consists of the locally listed Chapel Building which sits within the Cane Hill housing development, on Chaucer Gardens. Adjacent to the site is the former Administration Building of Cane Hill Hospital site, now known as Henry Howell House. This has been converted and extended for residential flats. The surrounding roads of Chaucer Gardens and Johnson Drive are residential houses.”

“As part of the red line of the site, there are areas of landscaping and parking. The surrounding area is residential in character. The site lies with Metropolitan Green Belt and a Tree Preservation Order, (TPO), 25 of 1993 which covers the Cane Hill housing development. The site is subject to surface water flooding.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and works

Earlier permissions covered the wider redevelopment and chapel uses; parts of the chapel scheme, including the bus toilet and aerial equipment, were implemented.

“Relevant Planning History 3.6 13/02527/P: Hybrid application for the development of Cane Hill including the Chapel: Redevelopment of the former Cane Hill Hospital Site to accommodate up to 677 residential units (net increase of 675 units); Class A1-A5; B1; C1; D1- D2 Uses; car and cycle parking provision, landscaping and public realm works, interim works and highways works public realm works, interim works, and highway works including a new access onto Marlpit Lane/ Brighton…”

“17/06316/RSM: Refurbishment, rebuild and extension the administration building to create 14 apartments 2) Refurbishment of the chapel to provide a range of potential uses falling within Classes A1-A5, B1 and D1-D2, 3) Conversion and extension to the water tower to create a single residential dwelling 4) Associated landscaping, access and parking (Legacy Buildings Phase): Approval of reserved matters in respect of hybrid planning permission 13/02527/P in 13th June 2018.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a legal agreement, conditions and informatives, citing housing, community, heritage, amenity, transport and environmental benefits.

“That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the completion of a S.106 agreement to secure the following heads of terms:”

“Granted subject to Section 106 agreement 2. Community Infrastructure Levy 3. Code of practice for construction sites 4. Construction logistics informative 5. Contact waste team prior to occupation 6. Pollution Team informatives on plant and noise levels 7. Pollution Team informatives on sound insulation and extraction/ventilation systems 8. Pollution Team informatives on light pollution 9. Pollution Team informatives on boilers 10. BNG informative 11.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Transport for London raised parking concerns and sought retention of the bus-driver toilet, while officers considered parking acceptable and secured the toilet legally.

“The following were consulted regarding the application:”

“TfL were consulted on the application and raised concerns with regards to the overprovision of parking and requested the retention of the bus drivers’ toilet. [Officer comment: There is an existing bus drivers’ toilet within the Chapel as part of the Cane Hill redevelopment. Following discussions with the TfL and the applicant it is agreed that the continued provision of this facility is secured through a legal agreement].”

Officer report

What local people said

Forty-one responses included 18 objections, one comment and 22 supporting responses, covering community benefits, design, amenity, parking and other concerns.

“Community needs a café • Lack of amenities in Cane hill- so hub will be good for all • Becoming more run down – redevelopment welcomed • Much needed housing • Focal point for Cane Hill development • Proposed flats ensure that a heritage site stays rather than falling into disrepair • Henry Howell House RA- supports benefits with no significant downsides • Sensitive design • High quality public realm • Sustainable • Flats will add to the residential mix and vibrancy of area…”

“Confidential Loss of light and amenity See paragraph 8.29 and 8.35 Highways & Parking Not enough parking for the flats and the commercial space See paragraphs 8.38 to 8.44 Increase traffic See paragraphs 8.38 to 8.44 Tight entrances See paragraphs 8.38 to 8.44 Other No detail of the management of the communal spaces including landscaping and the commercial outdoor space- rubbish This is not a material planning consideration. This is a private estate matter.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The deputy team leader presented the item, and two speakers spoke in support of the application.

The committee vote

A motion to grant the application based on the officer recommendation was proposed and seconded, then approved with ten votes in favour.

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

“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 decision

The committee resolved to grant the application for the chapel conversion and associated mixed-use development.

“The Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the application for The Chapel, 29 Chaucer Gardens, Coulsdon.”

Minutes