Unanimous approval at Planning Committee for 7 family homes, Croydon

A great result at Planning Committee the other week, for a sensitively designed scheme which seeks the demolition of a single dwelling in a generous plot, and its replacement with 7 family sized homes.  This project highlights the benefits of carefully considered, well designed, incremental intensification in urban settings as a means of responding to the increasing need for housing in London.

We were also pleased to be able to help our clients secure a second approval in 4 months, having assisted them with a similar project earlier this year.

Backland and infill development

Given the site’s sensitive location in a residential area with neighbouring properties close by,  strategic design, landscaping and negotiation with the local planning authority were key to producing a scheme which worked for everyone.

Due to the complexities of the project, the scheme went to Planning Committee where we prepared and delivered a speech in support of the application. With the project hanging in the balance, we added clarity, highlighting the key facts and the benefits it would bring, including:

• That the provision of 3-bed properties meets Croydon’s strategic target for family-sized homes;
• That the proposals allow for a suitable layout and appreciation of the site context, which has a varied development pattern, whilst meeting all policy and technical standards;
• That the dwellings are set away from neighbouring boundaries, providing separation distances between the proposed dwellings and the existing neighbouring properties in excess of technical standards;
• That the design has been drawn from a contextual character analysis meaning that the materials used will ensure the scheme blends in with the existing context;
• That that the scheme has taken careful consideration of neighbouring properties to ensure negligible impact to them or the surrounding environment;
• That extensive landscaping has been proposed with the addition of 18 new trees.

Furthermore, throughout the lifespan of the project, our client worked proactively and collaboratively with the local planning authority, seeking to prepare a scheme which would meet local need and have neighbourhood at its heart.

We were absolutely delighted that the response to our speech was vocal support in favour of the scheme with Committee members, ward councillors, and local residents saying:

“There is much to recommend about the scheme“, that they were pleased to see such a “good quality application” and that it was “good to see the provision of family homes.”

About us

We are Plainview Planning – a solutions orientated, experienced and knowledgeable team of planning consultants.  If you need professional and informed planning support with your development project, then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk, to see how we can best assist you, providing the site address and a brief overview of your project. We value your privacy and any information which you provide will not be shared outside of our company and will only be used in relation to your enquiry.

Content correct at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date advice or to discuss your project, please contact our team directly.

Image source:

Aventier (2022)