Agenda item

To consider the recommendations made by Cabinet since the last ordinary Council meeting relating to the adoption of the Supplementary Planning Document  - Suburban Design Guide.

Madam Mayor invited Councillor Scott, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Regeneration (job share) to move the motion relating to the adoption of the Supplementary Planning Document – Suburban Design Guide.

Councillor Scott introduced the new guide describing how this will help the Council, householders and developers to grow and develop new homes in the borough and end the housing crisis whilst providing the necessary additional amenities for the community. Thanks was given to the dedication of officers who produced the new guide and for the feedback received from hundreds of residents who helped shape it. A video presentation introducing the new guide was provided with all being encouraged to go online to watch this in more detail. Councillor Scott commended the Supplementary Planning Document – Suburban Design Guide for adoption.

Councillor Muhammad Ali seconded the motion.

Madam Mayor informed the Council that notification had been received from the Opposition Group of a request that these recommendations be referred back to Cabinet for further consideration. Madam Mayor requested that the Chief Executive read out the referral request in full: “We move the reference back for the adoption of the Suburban Design Guide - Supplementary Planning Document (SPD2) for further debate. The document sets out key principles at 2.2.1 which set the context that development should provide the right mix in the right location that contributes to character and minimises impact on neighbouring amenity.

The document that follows does not live up to these principles. It does not improve or positively contribute to character, does not allow for cumulative impact and is open to interpretation. Many hundreds of residents responded to this consultation and yet they have been widely ignored. We request that this document is referred back to Cabinet to review the responses and ensure that the document truly works for the people of Croydon”

Madam Mayor invited Councillor Perry to move the reference of the recommendations contained in the report back to Cabinet.

Councillor Perry stated that it was a disappointment that responses received from the public to the consultation had not been fully considered and whilst these had been acknowledged in the design guide, very little had changed as a result. The work of officers was described as excellent and efforts to protect character were praised. However, it was highlighted that the design guide was open to interpretation and as a result this was not an evolutionary document but a revolution focused on optimisation of sites with ‘megablocks’ that would be taller, wider, deeper and with no recognition of impact on existing communities. Councillor Perry described residents as willing to accept an evolutionary approach but not supportive of a total change to what was happening in their areas. Planning policy was described as anything being allowable anywhere, whether or not it responded to the character of the area. Parking was highlighted as an issue. This was described as a necessary part of life which if decreased would have a knock-on impact. It was noted that parking stress studies do not keep-up with local development. Councillor Perry noted that developers were being briefed on how they can maximise development. It was stressed that failing to protect local character would not deliver quality developments. Councillor Perry called for the Council to work with existing communities and therefore for the design guide to be moved back to Cabinet.

Councillor Scott responded to the referral emphasising the housing crisis which was characterised by overcrowding and the use of temporary accommodation. It was reiterated that 48,000 new homes would be needed over next 20 years. The design guide was developed to address the challenge with two thirds of development to be achieved in town centres and brownfield sites and the rest through intensification of suburbs.  Planning policy encouraged more intensive use of housing land and high quality design to respect local character. Town centre developments were already evident. However, Councillor Scott stressed that not all residents wanted to live in the town centres, with further housing development in suburbs allowing locals to relocate. It was reported that over 1,000 flats and more than 200 houses had been developed to replace 80 existing homes. It was noted that the planning policy was why Labour had been elected in 2018 with an increased majority.

Councillor Creatura seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Muhammad Ali responded to the referral highlighting that Croydon has evolved from a small settlement to a market town growing into a city with more homes needed. The scale of the problem was well-known and there was a need to evolve and respond to housing needs today and in the future. Planning policy was described as encouraging developers to merge sites and provide affordable homes. Councillor Muhammad Ali described how the Council was taking responsibility to provide more homes and more affordable homes.

Councillor Helen Pollard spoke in support of referring the design guide back to Cabinet noting that she was doing so more in sorrow than in anger. It was stressed that the Council had failed to listen to residents and that one of the key principles of planning policy was to preserve character and lessen the impact of any development on amenities.  It was felt that the consultation had been ignored. Councillor Helen Pollard stated that 90% of planning applications are approved with residents’ objections ignored or dismissed. This meant that parking and green spaces were being removed. The difficulties of making objections to Brick by Brick developments taking place on parcels of Council land were noted. Councillor Helen Pollard noted no Council houses had been built by the administration and that two bed flats built by Brick by Brick were being sold for £500k.

Councillor Degrads responded to the referral noting the importance of being part of a diverse community and how this brought growth to the community. It was noted that homelessness was at an all-time high and that Universal Credit meant this would get worse. Councillor Degrads therefore stressed the need for sustainable homes suitable for a range of residents.  The need to help give the next generation the opportunity to live where they grew up through the provision of affordable homes was highlighted. Councillor Degrads stated the need to create a third of homes in suburbs and called on residents to open their hearts and minds.

Councillor Creatura spoke in support of referring the design guide back to Cabinet and noted his regret that this was needed. It was stressed that this could have been avoided if objections and consultation responses had been taken into consideration. Councillor Creatura expressed his hope that residents would now be listened to. It was stated that planning affects the entire borough and that as a result a party approach should not be taken. It was also suggested that planning guidance should better reflect the needs of the different areas of the borough. Councillor Creatura recommended working with residents and that family homes needed to be built and not demolished.

In his final comments supporting the referral back to Cabinet of the design guide, Councillor Creatura noted the Administration had not built any Council houses but that Brick By Brick was developing £600K properties for sale.

The motion to refer the recommendations in the report back to Cabinet for further consideration was put to the vote and fell.

The motion to agree the recommendations from Cabinet in the report was put to the vote and approved.

RESOLVED: Council AGREED the recommendations in the report to:

      I.          Adopt the Suburban Design Guide – Supplementary Planning Document (SPD2) in accordance with The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012; and

    II.          Delegate to the Director of Planning and Strategic Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Regeneration (Job Share), the making of minor factual, editorial and image changes to the Suburban Design Guide – Supplementary Planning Document (SPD2) prior to adoption publication.