Croydon’s Cabinet has approved plans to adopt an updated Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) for the Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village, helping to safeguard the area’s unique character for future generations.

The Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village, both in Purley, are renowned for their distinctive character, their similar design features and a strong sense of community.

Developed primarily in the early 20th century by William Webb, the estate was designed with a garden suburb ethos, emphasising generous green spaces, wide tree-lined roads, and individually designed houses in Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revival and Neo-Georgian styles.

Upper Woodcote Village forms a key part of this heritage, centred around the village green and featuring notable buildings such as the Lord Roberts on the Green.

The refreshed CAAMP forms part of the Executive Mayor’s commitment to regularly review conservation areas to make sure Croydon’s most valued places are conserved, as set out in his new Business Plan 2026-2030. It gives clear guidance on how to manage changes carefully, helping to protect the heritage significance of area’s unique look, and the quiet, semi-rural feel.

If approved by Full Council, the new CAAMP will become a Supplementary Planning Document, supporting the Croydon Local Plan. Whilst it does not introduce new planning controls, it will provide clearer guidance for residents, developers and planning officers, helping ensure high-quality development that conserves and enhances the area’s character.

The plan has been shaped by public consultation, with feedback from residents and partners helping to refine the final document.

In Executive Mayor Perry’s last term, he revoked SPD2, the previous suburban design guide. This is a supplementary planning document that set out rules and guidance for development in suburban areas, to ensure planning decisions better reflect the distinct character of Croydon’s neighbourhoods. He is also in the process of designating nine additional conservation areas, having already had the first round of consultation for the Whitgift Estate.

“The Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village is a truly special and unique part of our borough’s architectural heritage, and it is only right that we do everything we can to conserve and enhance it.

“This work also forms part of our wider efforts across Croydon to safeguard and enhance the character of our neighbourhoods, ensuring that growth and change are managed in a way that respects our local character and history. I am confident this new plan will help residents understand how to maintain their properties in a way that conserves the area’s distinctive charm and beauty.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the process, it will play an important role in conserving the area for generations to come.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon