Croydon Council has taken the next step towards revising the local plan, which sets out how the housing needs of the borough will be met, while protecting character and creating vibrant places for people to live, work and visit.
It was approved by the Executive Mayor and his Cabinet on Wednesday (27 March) with a recommendation that a six-week consultation is held this summer so residents, businesses and community groups can give their views on the proposed changes.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry has made it a priority to listen to residents on planning. Having removed the design guide in July 2022 these latest changes to the local plan will emphasise character over density in new development, as set out in the Mayor’s Business Plan 2022-26.
The proposed local plan for Croydon has removed all intensification zones and supports sustainable development, while meeting London Plan housing targets and respecting local character and protecting green spaces.
It has also been updated to address Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) by adding a new policy which looks to ensure that planned accommodation is of a high standard of living and would not negatively impact surrounding neighbourhoods or lead to an overconcentration of HMOs. Croydon needs to review the existing Croydon Local Plan 2018 to rise to the challenges facing the borough and its communities over the next 20 years and beyond.
A previous version of the local plan was consulted on in early 2022 which resulted in responses from local communities opposed to areas proposed for high and moderate suburban intensification. As a result, the work on the local plan was paused pending the election of an Executive Mayor.
The partial local plan review takes on board the views of communities given in the 2022 consultation and, more recently, through workshops with residents’ associations and councillors. It will next go to Full Council for approval. Once finalised, it will go to the Secretary of State for independent examination.
“I am committed to listening to resident’s views and I see this as not my local plan but residents local plan, responding to their desire to restore faith in the planning system in Croydon.
“We have made these changes to Croydon’s local plan review to remove intensification zones, protect character and emphasise design over density. This is important work to make sure that we are contributing to meeting the housing needs of the borough and supporting sustainable development, whilst protecting the character of our neighbourhoods.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Councillor Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration said: “We’re looking forward to continuing to work with our residents and businesses once the consultation launches so they can help to shape the future of Croydon.”
