Plans to demolish a stately home in Croydon and replace it with eight semi-detached houses have been approved, sparking a wave of community outcry. The decision by Croydon Council to greenlight the demolition of the large home on 23 Hollymeoak Road has left some residents feeling devastated and anxious about the future of their neighborhood.
Community Outcry
Residents of Hollymeoak Road, Mr. and Mrs. Turton, have been vocal opponents of the demolition plans, citing concerns about the impact on their quality of life. Despite not being able to attend the meeting in person, the Turtons submitted a written statement expressing their distress at the approval of the application.
They highlighted the potential issues with the proposed development, such as the proximity of car parking and bin storage to their boundaries. The couple raised specific concerns about the negative effects of increased traffic, noise pollution, and air quality on their living environment. Referencing the tragic case of Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who died from a fatal asthma attack linked to air pollution, the Turtons emphasized the serious health risks associated with the proposed changes.
In addition to the environmental impacts, the Turtons criticized the lack of adequate public transportation options in the area, pointing out the challenges faced by pedestrians and cyclists on the steep and winding Hollymeoak Road. They argued that the proposed development would not only disrupt their peaceful enjoyment of their home but also pose significant risks to their son, a member of the armed forces, who deserves a safe and tranquil environment upon returning from deployments.
Support for the Plan
On the other side of the debate, Simon Grainger of Grainger Planning Associates Ltd, representing Carvall Homes, spoke in support of the plan during the council meeting. He emphasized that a number of residents had expressed support for the development and that Carvall Homes had made efforts to address concerns raised by various groups.
Grainger highlighted the positive impact of similar housing schemes in Croydon, which had been approved in the past, and argued that the proposed development would contribute to increasing the city’s family housing stock. He reassured the council that Carvall Homes had taken steps to address environmental concerns, including consulting with the Council’s Tree Officer to ensure the protection of existing trees on the property.
Despite the objections raised by residents like the Turtons, Grainger maintained that the development would not unreasonably impact the community and urged the Planning Committee to consider the benefits of the project. He emphasized the policy compliance of the plan and stressed the importance of moving forward with the construction to meet housing needs in the area.
Council Approval
Following a thorough discussion of the objections and supports presented, the councillors ultimately voted unanimously to approve the application for the demolition and construction project. Chairman Cllr Michael Neal expressed his support for the plan, praising the design of the new homes and noting the minimal impact on neighbors and adequate parking provisions.
While the decision to move forward with the demolition of the stately home has been met with disappointment and frustration by some residents, the council’s approval signals a significant change in the landscape of Hollymeoak Road. Construction is expected to begin later this year, marking the start of a new chapter for the neighborhood and its residents.