Coulsdon residents have objected to a retrospective planning application concerning changes to land levels and the construction of decking areas at 151 Caterham Drive. The Croydon Council Planning Sub-Committee convened on 14 August 2025, to discuss the application, which seeks permission to retain changes already made to the property.
The application includes retaining walls, decking areas, steps, balustrading, and additional screening adjacent to the boundary with 153 Caterham Drive. The planning history for 151 Caterham Drive includes a pre-application enquiry in respect of the decking in the rear garden (24/03152/PRE) and a certificate granted on 10 June 2022 for a proposed extension to an existing outbuilding (22/01361/LP).
Councillor Nikhil Sherine Thampi raised concerns that the development is visually dominant, out of character with the area, and causes loss of privacy and noise disturbance. He described it as unsightly due to the use of unreinforced concrete block walls and low-quality decking materials, and stated that it lacks sufficient drainage measures.
During the meeting, Lucy Page, the presenting officer, provided a detailed presentation, including photos of the site and its relationship to neighbouring properties. She noted that the decking is not visible from Caterham Drive but can be seen from Shirley Avenue. The proposed screening aims to mitigate overlooking impacts on the neighbouring property at 153 Caterham Drive.
Juliette Cole, speaking in objection, claimed the committee was not in full possession of the facts and alleged inaccurate site descriptions and misrepresentation of flood risk. She stated that the submitted plans and a flood risk assessment misrepresent the site, as the decking is built on impermeable plastic laid over building rubble, invalidating the flood risk assessment.
Councillor Thampi echoed these concerns, stating that the tiered decking is visually dominant and out of keeping with the area, causing overlooking, loss of privacy, and increased flood risk.
Nicola Townsend, Head of Development Management, clarified that the committee's role was to determine the application based on land use planning matters, not construction details or party wall issues. She also addressed allegations against the planning department, stating that they were unaware of any planning officer knowing the applicant.
Councillor Lara Fish raised concerns about the type of screening, worried it would be fencing or something similar, and suggested more soft landscaping to break up the appearance of the development. Councillor Sean Fitzsimons acknowledged the entrenched views but stated that he could not see grounds to oppose the recommendation. Councillor Humayun Kabir expressed sympathy for the objectors but emphasized the need to objectively assess the application.
Ultimately, the committee resolved to grant planning permission with conditions, including details of the exact location and height of all screening to be submitted and agreed with the local planning authority, together with details of landscaping. The planning permission was also granted subject to a Reasonable Exception Statement and a Water Butt, with the officer stating that any other planning conditions considered necessary by the Director of Planning and Sustainable Regeneration could be added. Six members voted in favour, none against, and there were no abstentions. Lucy Page stated that if councillors were minded to think that another type of screening might be preferable, that is something that they could consider and condition as such.
The full agenda and reports pack for the meeting can be found on the Croydon Council website.