Croydon Council's Planning Committee has granted permission for a new builder's merchant development by Travis Perkins at Selsdon Goods Yard, Selsdon Road, South Croydon.
The decision, made on Thursday, August 20, 2026, allows for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of three commercial buildings for use as a builder's merchant. The development will include the display, sale, and storage of building and plumbing materials, along with outdoor display and storage of goods, including storage racking. Alterations to access, parking, and landscaping are also included.
Concerns were raised by residents and Councillor Michael Neill regarding noise pollution, highway impacts, and the scale and design of the development. Objectors highlighted potential increases in traffic, noise, and the visual impact on neighbouring residential properties. Councillor Neill specifically questioned the reliance on behavioural compliance for the noise management plan and the lack of specific noise criteria.
Council officers addressed these concerns by outlining the site's designation as a strategic industrial location where such uses are appropriate. They noted that noise levels, while elevated, were considered acceptable within this context and would be managed through restricted opening hours (7 am to 5:30 pm weekdays, 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays) and a comprehensive noise management plan. This plan includes measures such as screening loading areas, directing HGV activity away from residential boundaries, using electric forklifts with white noise alarms, requiring waiting vehicles to switch off their engines, implementing a community liaison contact, and a complaints procedure. If noise levels exceed acceptable thresholds, breaches of the noise management plan would be enforceable, with potential planning enforcement actions available if continual breaches are confirmed. Regarding highways, additional traffic analysis was conducted, and officers were satisfied that the increased vehicle movements would not harm highway safety.
A Section 106 agreement will secure a £15,000 contribution towards the council's local employment and training strategy, specifically for the construction stage. Conditions were also proposed to ensure the implementation of a construction logistics plan, environmental management plan, and details regarding materials, landscaping, and security.
Councillor Helen Redfern noted the site's industrial designation but expressed concerns about the visual and sound impact. Councillor Mark Johnson echoed these concerns, stating he was struggling
to be fully convinced. However, Councillor Sean Fitzsimons argued that refusing such applications would put the borough's economic basis at risk, highlighting the 35 jobs and £7 million of economic activity the development would bring. Ultimately, the committee voted to grant permission, with an additional condition for noise screening along the Selsdon Road boundary.
Further details on the planning application can be found in the Public reports pack for the Planning Committee meeting on August 20, 2026. The Agenda frontsheet and Minutes of Previous Meeting are also available.
