To debate any motions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rules.
The following motions will be debated:
Conservative Group Motion
This Council RESOLVES that:
Croydon Council recognises the great progress that has been made over the last two years to restore residents’ trust in planning matters.
Council notes the decision made in 2022 to scrap the Supplementary Planning Document “Suburban Design Guide” adopted by Croydon Council in April 2019.
Council further notes and supports the wish of Mayor Jason Perry to reform the Local Plan in order to return to a design-led approach to planning, with the removal of the designated “intensification zones."
Council agrees that meeting our housing targets is important, and also agrees that this must be done in a sustainable way. Council agrees that it is important to prioritise design over density, recognising the character of Croydon’s diverse and unique places as well as recognising the needs and aspirations of our residents.
Council further agrees the importance of protecting our precious green spaces from inappropriate development.
Labour Group Motion
This Council RESOLVES that:
“This council agrees that building more homes - including genuinely affordable homes for rent - is the principal way to address the national housing crisis as it affects Croydon."
Minutes:
Conservative Group Debate Motion
Mayor JasonPerry in opening the debate, stated that Council agreed to the removal of SPD on 20 July 2022 and the reviewed local plan would address the concerns of residents over development by eliminating intensification zones, realignment of housing targets in accordance with the London plan, place emphasis on design character over density. He said that various housing needs would be met but not at the expense of Croydon’s unique character.
Councillor Ellily Ponnuthurai in speaking to the motion, argued that an unacceptable number of people, nationally and locally, had neither a house nor a home and the number of rough sleepers had doubled across the country.
She explained that people were priced out of any aspirations to own their home and young adults were forced to live at home as priced out. While she welcomed the ambitions of the local plan to build affordable homes, and agreed that design and place were important considerations, but also so was the quality of life as more social and affordable houses were desperately needed and none was approved by the planning committee in this municipal year.
Councillor Ian Parker who seconded the motion, in speaking to the motion stated that the motion encapsulated the wishes of Croydon’s residents and It recognised a clear commitment to amend planning policy, and guidance, emphasised the importance of design and density and highlighted the desire to protect green spaces, improve access and community facilities for all.
Councillor Stuart King argued that the SPD was removed with cross party support and though the motion acknowledged the importance of meeting housing targets, it must be done in a sustainable way. He said that residents were staying in temporary accommodation for years due to a lack of affordable housing and this was not helped by the fact that the planning committee had not approved any affordable housing in the last year.
In closing the debate, Mayor Jason Perry stated that listening to residents was top priority and the removal of the SPD had addressed concerns raised by residents. He said that the upcoming consultation would present a further opportunity to listen to residents so that the right roadmap could be provided for growth as future developments would respect the borough’s local neighbourhoods and much needed new homes would be provided in a way that worked for residents and enhanced the local community. The motion was another step towards delivering for Croydon’s residents in the future.
The motion was put to the vote and Council RESOLVED to note that:
“Croydon Council recognises the great progress that has been made over the last two years to restore residents’ trust in planning matters.
Council notes the decision made in 2022 to scrap the Supplementary Planning Document “Suburban Design Guide” adopted by Croydon Council in April 2019.
Council further notes and supports the wish of Mayor Jason Perry to reform the Local Plan in order to return to a design-led approach to planning, with the removal of the designated “intensification zones."
Council agrees that meeting our housing targets is important, and also agrees that this must be done in a sustainable way. Council agrees that it is important to prioritisedesign over density, recognising the character of Croydon’s diverse and unique places as well as recognising the needs and aspirations of our residents.
Council further agrees the importance of protecting our precious green spaces from inappropriate development.”
Mayor Jason Perry thanked members for their support and said the Council had many challenges with the finances, the housing and planning departments but the motion would bring it a step closer to delivering for residents and continue the journey of improvement.
Labour Group Debate Motion
Councillor Chrishni Reshekaron opened the debate opened the debate stating that the national housing crisis was one of the biggest challenges facing the country and good quality housing was a fundamental right. More affordable housing in Croydon would mean less people becoming homeless due to rent arrears, deaths and the number of residents seeking social housing would reduce.
She explained that Councillors receive many housing cases related to heating, boiler, leaks, overcrowding damp and mould issues and in Croydon, 2589 children were living in temporary accommodation and the number of rough sleepers and the homeless was increasing and ethnic minorities households were more likely to homeless.
She argued that the Strategic Housing Market Assessment had calculated that 1817 affordable, rented homes a year would be needed in Croydon and the London Plan target required 2079 houses to be built per year, however, in 2020 to 2023, only 115 affordable homes were approved in Croydon.
In closing, she said the only solution was to build more homes and the Council had to be more ambitious and build more affordable housing, which would reduce inequality, deal with financial pressures, homelessness, and rough sleeping, and help build a fairer society.
Councillor Lynne Hale in speaking to the motion, argued that to effectively address the demand for housing in Croydon, there was a need to ensure that the Council was providing a range of accommodation to suit the needs of residents by providing the right homes in the right places. She explained that although new developments such as Regina Road indicated good progress that homes were being built to meet housing targets, the Council also wanted to ensure that only viable plans were progressed. She stated that the housing crisis was a national problem that required a national solution such as changes to national planning policies and government funding arrangements that would enable the level of annual need to be met in Croydon and across our country.
Councillor Chris Clark speaking in support of the motion stressed the need to build more homes for every type of need to make sure that the homes offered would meet every need.
He stated that the housing crisis was a national problem that required a national solution such as changes to national planning policies and government funding arrangements such as giving that would enable the level of annual need to be met in Croydon and across our country.
In closing, he said that changes like giving local authorities and housing associations long term stability so they would have the confidence and security to invest in affordable social and council housing stock, they could unlock government grants to deliver new homes and stop developers from wriggling out of their responsibilities.
Councillor Simon Fox speaking in support of the motion stated that both for rent or sale, many aspiring homeowners were finding it increasingly difficult to enter the market. This had created a gap leading to social inequality and lack of upward mobility.
He explained that the shortage of homes had also impacted the rental market and as the number of available homes decreased, rental prices increased, making it more challenging for Individuals and families.
In closing he said that the inability to find suitable and affordable housing was affecting both low and middle income households. By addressing the shortage of housing, the Council could stimulate economic growth and promote a more sustainable future.
The motion was put to the vote and Council RESOLVED to note that:
“This Council agrees that building more homes - including genuinely affordable homes for rent - is the principal way to address the national housing crisis as it affects Croydon."
Mayor Jason Perry stated that forthcoming developments such as Regina Road and Red Clover Gardens would provide a significant number of new affordable homes for Croydon’s residents along with the review of Local Plan reflected the Council’s commitment to deliver affordable homes to residents.