FUTURE PLAN FOR CROYDON APPROVED – Proposals for Sainsbury’s Westow Street site still included
A local plan that sets out how Croydon will achieve its growth and development vision over the next 20 years has been agreed by council and will now be submitted to the Secretary of State.
The plan still includes proposals to build flats on the site of Sainsbury’s in Westow Street, Upper Norwood.
A Croydon council spokeswoman told News From Crystal Palace: “This remains a potential site for development. All plans for new development in the borough will be fully and impartially assessed through the planning process and this will give local people the opportunity to formally voice any concerns.”
The Croydon Local Plan explains how the council will provide new homes for a growing population, promote jobs and encourage growth while protecting and enhancing the borough’s green and open spaces.
Improving infrastructure such as schools, roads, transport hubs, health facilities and employment opportunities for local people, with the aim of strengthening local communities and neighbourhoods and reviving district centres is also at the heart of the plans.
More than 8,000 representations were received during the consultation period earlier this year, helping council planners to shape the blueprint to meet the needs of all of Croydon, ensuring that there is sustainable growth.
As well as protecting the borough’s heritage by ensuring new developments respect and enhance local character and deliver affordable homes, the plan also preserves Croydon’s treasured green spaces, Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land.
New policies protecting garden land, recognising the need for creative and cultural spaces and protecting industrial and employment space are included. The importance of Crystal Palace Football Club is also recognised, along with new policies to protect pubs and other community facilities.
Cllr Alison Butler, Croydon’s cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Croydon as it goes through unprecedented growth. We must ensure that this growth is sustainable and that the whole borough benefits from it.
“I am delighted that so many residents got involved during the consultation period and expressed their views on the proposed submission. All comments were considered and have helped us to shape the borough’s future so our neighbourhoods continue to thrive and grow.” (Source: Croydon council press release)