Purley residents have voiced their objections to a planning application for the demolition of an existing house and the construction of three three-storey terraced houses at 33 Box Ridge Avenue. The Croydon Council Planning Sub-Committee discussed the application at their meeting on 24 July 2025.
The Director of Planning & Strategic Transport had recommended that permission be granted, subject to a legal agreement including a £1,500 per dwelling sustainable transport contribution to contribute towards sustainable transport initiatives in the local area in line with Local Plan policies SP8.12 and SP8.13. However, objections from local residents prompted a review by the Planning Committee.
Dr. Joan Wang, a local resident, spoke in objection to the proposed development, citing a restrictive covenant, drainage concerns, evidence of bats on the site, and the right to light. Regarding the restrictive covenant, Dr. Wang stated that According to the Regist Title number SGL 318234, the property at 33 Osridge Avenue is subject to a restrictive covenant that limited development to detached or semi-detached houses only. The proposed construction of the three-terrace houses directly countermeans this covenant
. However, planning officers clarified that covenants are separate from material planning considerations and are civil legislation.
Dr. Wang also raised drainage concerns, stating, The proposed development in the critical drainage area has a history of drainage issues. The current infrastructure cannot handle the additional load from three-terrace houses, increased surface water runoff and flooding risk.
The planning officer responded that a flood risk assessment has been submitted that talks about the flood risk at the site, but doesn't give full details of a scheme that would be provided...we can't see any reason why a suitable stud scene can't be designed in accordance with the London plan requirements in accordance with the drainage hierarchy.
Regarding evidence of bats on the site, Dr. Wang mentioned evidence of the bats
. The planning officer responded that full surveys have been undertaken for ecology and they have been assessed by our ecologist, who has been satisfied with the information that's been provided and has recommended a number of conditions in order to make sure that ecology is enhanced and protected appropriately.
Govinda Prashar, speaking in support of the application, highlighted the need for more family housing in Croydon. He stated that the proposal would replace an outdated four-bedroom dwelling with three high-quality, family-sized homes designed to meet modern living standards. He also noted that the design was revised and refined based on feedback from the local authorities to ensure sensitivity to the site's context.
Samantha Dixon, Principal Planning Officer, addressed the committee, providing a detailed presentation of the planning application. She clarified that all protected trees on the site would be retained and that the proposed dwellings would meet and exceed national standards in terms of dwelling size, have large rear gardens which would all well exceed the minimum size requirement, which is only nine square metres. She also explained that the frontage layout was amended to retain a protected tree and provide a safe vehicular access.
Councillor Michael Neal, Chair of the Planning Subcommittee, opened up the meeting for deliberation after hearing from the speakers. Councillor Clive Fraser stated that the developers worked with planning officers to get a good and acceptable scheme. Councillor Helen Redfern compared the application to a recent one in a different location, stating that the street scene is not significantly impacted because the land slopes down from the pavement.
After deliberation, the committee voted to grant the application, with five members in favour and one against. Councillor Neal confirmed that the committee resolved to grant the application at 33 Box Ridge Avenue in Purley.
