SANDROCK DEVELOPMENT - Reasons for Objections from last year

In case of interest, the objection is below, which includes various references to Croydon/London plans which may be of interest to others:

The proposed development of the Sandrock is highly objected to and not supported for the reasons below.

In summary, the proposed development directly contravenes numerous Strategic Priorities of the Croydon Local Plan 2018 and the London Plan 2016, and if approved will fundamentally negatively alter the character, community, sense of place
and aesthetics of the local area. 

Reasons for Objections

Strategic Priority 1.2 of the Croydon Local Plan 2018, directs that all new developments should contribute to local character and enhance the sense of place in the local area. This proposed development does not do this. There are no other purpose built flat blocks within the immediate near vicinity, and the blocks are completely out of character with other homes in the near area. The character of the local area is one of nature and woodland, however this development proposes removing substantial mature woodland, and disrupting badger sets in the woodland. The design of the flats are also not in character with the local area. 

Strategic Priority 4.2 of the Croydon Local Plan 2018, outlines the importance of the distinctive qualities, identity, topography and opportunities of the 'Place' in assessing proposed development. The proposed development does not recognise the distinctive qualities of the place (the removal of mature woodland in favour of a residential building unlike any other in the local area), and will change the identity of the area because of this. Similarly, the skyline will be fundamentally changed for local residents as a result of the development of a building of this size.

Policy HC7 of the London Plan 2016, highlights the importance of protecting public houses. However the proposed development does not protect the viability of the Sandrock public house. When tradilng, the Sandrock was visited by the local community, however the majority of it's business was provided by families that drove to the pub and parked in the pub car park. However the plan completely removes adequate parking provision for the pub, and there is very restricted parking on nearby roads, which is fully used by residents. This will therefore render the pub not viable as a profitable business. For this reason, the proposed development should be resisted in line with Policy HC7 Section C (Development proposals for redevelopment of associated accommodation, facilities or development within the curtilage of the public house that would compromise the operation or viability of the public house use should be resisted) as the removal of the pub parking facilities would compromise the viability of the public house'.

In relation to Policy HC6 of the London Plan 2016, the proposed development also does not provide adequate provision for electric or disabled parking.

The proposed development also creates a dangerous access point to the property on Sandrock Place, which is a narrow single lane road, risking access issues.

It is for the reasons above regarding why the planned proposal does not meet London or Croydon Plans, that the proposed Sandrock development is highly opposed.

Thanks to Resident Rob who found these, the objections from the last application
Drew