Croydon plans new suburban development planning policy

Purley High Street

Purley High Street Pic: Bobbi-Lee Wright

A new suburban development planning policy is being introduced by Croydon Council in a move to help tackle the housing crisis.

The policy will specifically focus on providing an SPD2 – Supplementary Document Number 2 – which is a document that aims to provide guidance for high-quality new homes in Croydon’s suburban areas.

The document will be a guide for developers and local residents. It will give guidance on how to obtain the best quality homes.

SPD2 will have area-specific guidance with the plan to improve suburban developments. They hope it will guide developers on best practice with the design quality of new homes whilst keeping the impact on neighbours minimal.

Councillor Paul Scott, Cabinet leader for regeneration and planning, said: “We have a housing crisis in London and we need to build many thousands more homes to ensure everyone has a decent quality home. 

“SPD2 provides guidance for the whole borough, and should be used by residents, developers, builders and agents including architects and consultants in shaping proposals and it will assist in making decisions on planning applications.”

The SPD2 has come as a response to the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework which was updated on February 19.

Labour Councillor for Addiscombe West, Sean Fitzsimmons is enthusiastic about the SPD2. He told EastLondonLines: “It’s unrealistic of opponents of SPD2 to expect Town Centre or Brownfield sites to deliver all 30k plus homes that Croydon need to deliver to meet the housing needs of Croydon residents.

“This policy sets out the guidelines to ensure the 10k homes the suburbs need to deliver, both north and south of Croydon Town Centre, is done in a sensitive and sustainable manner.

“Tory politicians are exploiting suburban angst and a desire among many residents to freeze in aspic the current look of the suburbs.

“But change is coming to Croydon suburbs, and they need to do their part in solving the housing crisis. The SPD2 ensures this is done in a sustainable way.” 

EastLondonLines has contacted Croydon Conservatives but has not received any response.

One Response

  1. C M Cooper April 3, 2019

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