Croydon's Planning Sub-Committee has granted permission for a builder's merchant at Selzden Goods Yard, South Croydon, despite concerns raised by residents about noise pollution and highway impacts.
The decision, made on Thursday, 20 August 2026, allows for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of new pre-industrial buildings for use as a builder's merchant, intended to be occupied by Travis Perkins. The proposal includes the display, sale, and storage of building and plumbing materials.
Concerns were voiced by residents and Councillor Michael Neill regarding increased vehicle movements, particularly HGVs, using Sussex Road due to railway bridge height restrictions, and the potential for noise disturbance to nearby residential properties on Rockhampton Road and Elm Close. The applicant's transport officer stated that additional assessments had been conducted and they were satisfied with the expected vehicle movements, with Network Rail consulted and raising no issues.
A noise management plan was proposed, and opening hours were recommended to be restricted to 7 am on weekdays and 8 am on Saturdays. The plan includes measures such as the screening of loading areas, directing HGV activity away from residential boundaries, using electric forklifts with white noise alarms, and requiring waiting vehicles to switch off their engines.
A community liaison contact and complaints procedure will also be implemented.
Officers noted that while noise levels would be elevated, they would be expected within a site designated as a Tier 1 strategic and separated industrial location, where such uses are appropriate and intensification is encouraged by planning policy. The applicant's predicted specific sound levels for the proposed activities are between 52 to 61 decibels, comparable to standard conversational speech at 1 meter. After applying an acoustic correction for tonality, intermittency, and impulsivity, the predicted levels rise to 60 to 69 decibels. For comparison, typical classroom chatter is 70 decibels.
The design and scale of the buildings were considered appropriate within the site context, with significant screening from mature landscaping. Conditions were recommended to ensure suitable decontamination of the land and to restrict operating hours. Sustainability aspects were highlighted, with the scheme aiming to achieve BREEAM excellent and net-zero carbon emissions. Specific features mentioned include air source heat pumps, energy efficient lighting and roof mounted solar panels.
The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions and legal obligations, including an additional condition for acoustic screening along the Selzden Road boundary. The proposed operating hours are restricted to 7 am on weekdays and 8 am on Saturdays. There is no mention of specific restrictions for Sundays or bank holidays in the provided text.
Further details on the proposal can be found in the Public reports pack for the Planning Sub-Committee meeting on 20 August 2026.
