Croydon's Planning Committee has approved an outline application for a new micro hotel on Scarbrook Road, which will provide up to 20 rooms.
The decision, made at a meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, saw councillors grant planning permission for the part 3/part 6 storey building at Stoneham House, 17 Scarbrook Road.
During the debate, councillors discussed the scale of the development, its potential impact on neighbouring properties, and the use of the building as a C1 hotel with a 90-day stay limit. Concerns were raised about the possibility of the micro hotel being used for long-term accommodation, similar to issues faced with previous applications.
Officers clarified that the C1 use class and the 90-day restriction were intended to prevent long-term residential occupation. A condition is recommended to restrict the use of the property as a micro hotel falling within C1 Use Class and to limit the maximum length of stay to 90 nights within a single year. This is intended to ensure the transitional nature of the accommodation and prevent its use as permanent residential accommodation.
Key points discussed included the scale of the development, which was considered acceptable due to the site's backland nature and surrounding taller buildings. Neighbouring amenity impacts, particularly regarding privacy and outlook, were acknowledged but deemed acceptable and manageable through conditions. Conditions are recommended requiring the submission of a Noise Management Plan and details of servicing arrangements. These are intended to ensure that late-night use of external areas, guest activity, and servicing operations do not result in unacceptable harm to the amenities of surrounding residential occupiers. A condition is also recommended to ensure any plant or machinery installed complies with standard noise requirements.
The micro hotel's design will draw inspiration from the neighboring building, Boulevard Point, 15 Scarbrook Road, by utilizing a comparable material palette. This includes robust dark brickwork for the base and buff brickwork for the upper stories. Dark grey framing elements will be used to emphasize fenestration and reinforce the vertical articulation of the facade. Angled window reveals will add depth, individuality, and visual interest, creating shadow lines and further articulation across the elevation. The detailed design, including the relationship between the building's base and upper stories, and the integration of the taller central element with lower flanking wings, is subject to future approval at the reserved matters stage.
The development is proposed to be car-free, with two parking spaces allocated for existing residential units in Stoneham House, which was considered acceptable given the site's high public transport accessibility level. Stoneham House has been converted to residential use. A three-storey roof extension has been completed and occupied, creating six additional flats. The approved details for these six flats indicate they should have the use of two car parking spaces, including one disabled parking space. A condition is recommended to secure these two car parking spaces and their allocation to the homes within the six-unit roof extension planning permission. To ensure these spaces are only for these residents and to prevent other vehicles from using them, a condition requiring a vehicle access management plan and parking plan is recommended.
Conditions agreed upon include those relating to cycle storage, waste management, and landscaping, with a focus on protecting existing hedging and potentially enhancing the rear amenity space. Regarding waste management, a condition is recommended to secure the location, elevation, details, and management/collection plan for waste storage. This will ensure that refuse and recycling bins are appropriately managed and contained, rather than being openly stored. For landscaping, a condition is recommended to secure details of landscaping, including the planting of a minimum of three trees. This aims to offset any lost trees and ensure appropriate commitments are met. Additionally, a condition is recommended to ensure that the development seeks to achieve a net gain in biodiversity.
The committee noted that a similar-scale development had been previously approved and that the current application complied with policy. Further details on the planning application can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting held on September 24, 2026.