New flats have been approved for a site in Kenley after a Croydon Planning Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday, 20 August 2026.
The committee granted permission for a two-storey development with roof accommodation, comprising six flats, at 233 Hayes Lane, Kenley. The proposal includes provision for seven parking spaces and cycle parking. The site formerly contained a single-storey detached dwelling which was demolished in 2023.
Councillor Ola Kaladi, the referring ward councillor, raised concerns about the intensification of the site
, arguing that the proposal was out of character with the surrounding area, which predominantly consists of single-storey dwellings. She noted that the proposal would be higher than a previously approved scheme, with the ridge sitting 2.4 metres above a neighbouring property and 1.25 metres above another. Councillor Kaladi also highlighted that Croydon's local plan requires developments to respect the character of the surrounding area and that Kenley is known for its spacious character and green infrastructure.
Officers clarified that the current proposal for six flats is slightly taller than a previously approved scheme for five flats, but the footprint remains the same. The unit mix has changed from the previous approval, with the six flats consisting of four one-bedroom units and two duplex flats (one with three bedrooms and one with four bedrooms).
The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to a legal agreement to secure sustainable transport contributions and other conditions. The decision was made with the understanding that the proposal is a modest increase from a previously approved scheme and addresses concerns raised in the appeal decision.
Addressing Previous Appeal Concerns
The current proposal addresses key reasons cited in the previous appeal decision that led to the dismissal of the scheme for five flats. The appeal was dismissed due to concerns about the outlook from neighbouring properties (specifically no.1 Barham Road and no.24 Warham Road's garden area) and the absence of a mechanism to secure car-free development. The current proposal addresses these by reducing the building's scale and height, increasing setbacks from boundaries, and including a Section 106 agreement for a car-free development with sustainable transport contributions.
Sustainable Transport and Other Conditions
The legal agreement will secure a financial contribution of £1,500 per unit towards sustainable transport improvements. Additionally, it includes a three-year membership of a car club for each house and the removal of access to resident parking permits and contracts in council-run car parks.
Planning permission is also subject to a range of other conditions. These include a commencement time limit of 3 years, carrying out the development in accordance with approved drawings, and the submission of various plans such as a Construction Logistics Plan, Environmental Management Plan for Biodiversity, Tree Methodology Plan and Protection Measures, Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy, and a wildlife sensitive lighting design scheme. Details of external materials, landscaping, tree replacement planting, hard landscaping areas, refuse storage, cycle storage, and energy plant and equipment are also required. Compliance with the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report, Drainage/Strategy/SUDS details, water efficiency standards, accessible homes requirement M4(2), and noise levels from air handling units are stipulated. Furthermore, permitted development rights will be removed, and compliance with the Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement, along with an Energy Statement, is mandatory. A fire safety strategy is also required.
More information on the committee's decisions can be found in the public reports pack for the meeting: Public reports pack 20th Aug 2026 19.15 Planning Sub-Committee.
