Throughout the winter period, Croydon Council’s enforcement teams have been ramping up coordinated action against unauthorised development.
In a joint operation, council officers from the Planning Enforcement Team and the House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) Team carried out a day of action. They visited 21 addresses that were believed to be unauthorised HMOs in Thornton Heath, Norbury, New Addington, Central Croydon, Addiscombe and Purley.
Several breaches of both planning legislation and the Housing Act (2004) were confirmed. The planning enforcement and HMO teams are now working together to deal with these breaches and take action against offenders.
Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), when well designed and managed, can provide much needed housing for residents. In January 2020, the council adopted an Article 4 direction which increased planning controls to ensure that HMOs are only permitted in appropriate circumstances. Further guidance is on the Council website.
Planning enforcement is a top priority for Executive Mayor Jason Perry. The Local Plan Review sets out new policies to ensure that new homes and developments are well-designed and enhance the unique character of Croydon’s town centres and suburbs. Planning enforcement is a key to ensuring that developers who do not comply with their planning consents are held to account.
The Council’s Planning Enforcement Team has been working hard to accelerate investigations into unauthorised developments and has more than halved the number of active cases since 2021.
The number of live enforcement investigations has fallen from its peak of 2,089 in October 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, to 711 cases in January 2025 – a 66% reduction.
During that period, 2,485 investigations have been completed. In some cases, negotiation with landowners has resulted in quick action. In other cases, enforcement notices and court action have been required, which can take longer.
“Unauthorised HMOs and developments can be a blight on our neighbourhoods. Landlords operating unauthorised HMOs are warned that these should not operate in Croydon without planning consent.
“It is my priority to protect the unique character of our neighbourhoods and we will take enforcement action where breaches are made. We have made significant progress in investigating breaches and will persevere to resolve all cases.
“Thank you to our residents who have reported concerns – I assure you that we will continue to follow up on any reports received.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
- Any developers carrying out unauthorised development are encouraged to come forward through the council’s pre-application service to discuss how unauthorised development can be regularised. See the council website.
- Members of the public concerned about works they believe to be unauthorised are encouraged to report it online.