Planning in Croydon

Promoting healthy communities

DM16.1 The Council, working with relevant organisations, will ensure the creation of healthy communities which encourage healthy behaviours and lifestyles by requiring developments to: a. Consider health and wellbeing during the design of a development to maximise potential health gains and ensure any negative impacts can be mitigated; b. Ensure access to open spaces and facilities for sport, recreation, play and food growing; c. Promote active travel and physical activity through cycling and walking opportunities that are well linked to existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure; d. Create spaces for social interaction and community engagement which are designed to be safe and accessible to all; and e. Assess and mitigate pollutants and other environmental impacts on health. DM16.2 The Council will work with NHS partners to support the provision of new healthcare facilities and improvements to existing facilities which provide services important for the physical health, mental health and general wellbeing of communities.

Providing and protecting community facilities

DM19.1 The Council will permit the loss of existing community facilities where: a. It can be demonstrated that there is no need for the existing premises or land for a community use and that it no longer has the ability to serve the needs of the community; b. The existing use is located on the ground floor within a Main Retail Frontage, a Secondary Retail Frontage, a Shopping Parade or a Restaurant Quarter Parade; or c. Community facilities for a specific end user (either on site or off site as part of a comprehensive redevelopment) that meet current or future needs are provided. DM19.2 The Council will support applications for community use where the proposals: a. Include buildings which are flexible, adaptable, capable of multi-use and, where possible, enable future expansion; b. Comply with the criteria for D1 class uses in industrial locations set out in Table 5.1; c. Are accessible to local shopping facilities, healthcare, other community services and public transport or provides a community use in a location and of a type that is designed to meet the needs of a particular client group; and d. Are for a use that is a town centre use, as defined by the National Planning Policy Framework, are located within Croydon Metropolitan Centre or a District or Local Centre, have no more than 280m2 of floor space (net) and are in the vicinity of a Neighbourhood Centre, or are a change of use of an existing unit in a Shopping Parade.

Supporting Selhurst Park as the home stadium of Crystal Palace Football Club

The Council will continue to support Selhurst Park as the home stadium of Crystal Palace Football Club and ensure that any redevelopment would enhance the club's position with a football stadium which makes a significant contribution to the Borough.

Protecting public houses

The Council will not grant planning permission for the demolition or change of use of a public house which displays the characteristics of a community pub such as: • space for organised: social events such as pub quizzes, darts competitions, pool leagues; • Meeting rooms, performance spaces, room for hire (appropriately sound proofed); • Ancillary facilities (skittles alley, children's play area); and • Associated clubs and teams. Unless: a. The loss of the public house would not result in a shortfall of local public house provision of this type; b. That the public house is no longer considered economically viable when considered against the CAMRA's Public House Viability Test; and that a range of measures have been undertaken to seek to improve viability including (but not restricted to): • Hosting quiz nights, craft fairs, live music or comedy; • Food offer diversification; • Providing B&B Accommodation; • Renting out space for meetings, classes or community events; • Maintenance, repair and visual improvements; • Varied opening hours; and c. The public house has been marketed as a public house, at a market rate for public houses, for a consistent period of 18 months.

Providing for cemeteries and burial grounds

The Council will support applications for new cemeteries and burial grounds where the proposals: a. Have good means of access from roads and are near bus routes or other transport nodes; b. Are located in areas of with no risk of flooding from all potential sources of flooding; c. Are not located in a Groundwater Source Protection Zone; d. Would not have unacceptable adverse impact on the biodiversity of the borough; and e. Are not located in Metropolitan Green Belt or on Metropolitan Open Land, unless it has been demonstrated that there are no suitable sites that are not in Metropolitan Green Belt or on Metropolitan Open Land, there is no impact on openness and existing provision of public access is maintained.

Community Facilities

SP5.1 The Council will have a presumption in favour of new development provided it is in accord with Policy SP5 and other applicable policies of the development plan and it contributes to the provision of infrastructure and community facilities through Community Infrastructure Levy and planning obligations requirements. SP5.2 The Council and its partners will create and safeguard opportunities for healthy, fulfilling and active lifestyles by: a. Working in partnership with the health authorities to improve health in Croydon; b. Ensuring new developments provide opportunity for healthy living by the encouragement of walking and cycling, good housing design, sufficient open space and opportunity for recreation and sound safety standards; c. Improving education and skills training in Croydon and encouraging life-long learning; and d. Promoting the growth and expansion of further and higher education to improve skills and act as a driver of growth and enterprise in the local economy. SP5.3 The Council and its partners will encourage the creation of healthy and liveable neighbourhoods by: a. Ensuring the provision of a network of community facilities, providing essential public services; and b. Protecting existing community facilities that still serve, or have the ability to serve, the needs of the community. SP5.4 The pattern, scale and quality of community and education facilities will be adjusted: a. To meet the evolving needs of the community; b. To improve service provision; and c. To support housing and employment growth. SP5.5 Community facilities will be well designed and located so as to be accessible to all sections of the community where they provide an on-site service. The Council and its partners will encourage and plan for the co-location of services where this provides convenience to the user and resource efficiency and can be achieved in a timely way. Detailed location and site allocation policies are set out in the Detailed Policies and Proposals of the Croydon Local Plan. SP5.6 The Council will support and enable the provision and improvement of places of worship. Criteria can be found in Policy DM19.2. SP5.7 The Council will support the temporary occupation of empty buildings and cleared sites for community uses where they contribute to regeneration and enhance the character of the area. SP5.8 The Council will plan and provide additional space for burials. The site or sites will be selected through a study and should meet the following criteria: a. Meet burial needs until at least 2031 and be of sufficient size for that purpose; b. Be suitable for burial of all groups and faiths; c. Be accessible to all sections of the community; and d. Meet technical requirements for burial including the avoidance of risk to aquifers. SP5.9 The Council will support investment in the improvement and expansion of primary and secondary schools and special schools to meet the needs of the community and its growing population. SP5.10 The Council will support investment in new schools by identifying sites for new schools in the Croydon Local Plan. SP5.11 Children's Centres and pre-school facilities will be provided, enhanced and updated in alignment with the growing population. SP5.12 The Council will support the growth and improvement of further and higher education in the borough and in particular seek to bring a university or 'multiversity' to Croydon. Subject to progress, the Croydon Local Plan will define a campus location at a suitable site with high public transport accessibility. SP5.13 The Council will seek to encourage the new university/multiversity to be a centre for innovation, enterprise and associated employment. SP5.14 The Council will support skills training and further education of residents by modernising and enhancing the quality of libraries, assisting home learning and training at work, and supporting adult education and training. SP5.15 The Council will work with higher and further education services to better provide for the needs of employment and life enhancement training.

Community Facilities and Education

Developments that provide healthy living by including walking and cycling, good housing design, sufficient open space and opportunity for recreation and sound safety standards, and the retention of existing community facilities

Design and character

Proposals should be of high quality and, whilst seeking to achieve a minimum height of 3 storeys, should respect: a. The development pattern, layout and siting; b. The scale, height, massing, and density; c. The appearance, existing materials and built and natural features of the surrounding area; the Place of Croydon in which it is located. Where an extension or alteration is proposed, adherence to Supplementary Planning Document 2 Residential Extensions and Alterations or equivalent will be encouraged to aid compliance with the policies contained in the Local Plan. Where a conversion or house in multiple occupation is proposed the Council will also consider the effects of noise, refuse collection and additional car parking on the character of an area. For this reason, the Council will seek proposals to incorporate parking within the rear, to the side or underneath building. In the case of development in the grounds of an existing building which is retained, development shall be subservient to that building. The council will take into account cumulative impact.

Blank Frontages and Natural Surveillance

When considering the layout of new development, the council will support proposals that minimise the amount of blank and inactive frontages, increase the amount of natural surveillance and avoid dark and secluded areas.

Focussed Intensification Areas

In the locations described in Table 6.3 and shown on the Policies Map as areas of focussed intensification, new development may be significantly larger than existing and should: a. Be up to double the predominant height of buildings in the area b. Take the form of character types "Medium-rise block with associated grounds", "Large buildings with spacing", or "Large buildings with Continuous frontage line" c. Assume a suburban character with spaces between buildings. Developments in focussed intensification areas should contribute to an increase in density and a gradual change in character. They will be expected to enhance and sensitively respond to existing character by being of high quality and respectful of the existing place in which they would be placed.

Design and character

Proposals should create clear, well defined and designed public and private spaces. The Council will only consider parking within the forecourt of buildings in locations where the forecourt parking would not cause undue harm to the character or setting of the building and where forecourts are large enough to accommodate parking and sufficient screening without the vehicle encroaching on the public highway. The Council will support proposals that incorporate cycle parking within the building envelope, in a safe, secure, convenient and well-lit location. Failing that, the council will require cycle parking to be located within safe, secure, well lit and conveniently located weather-proof shelters unobtrusively located within the setting of the building.

Private Amenity Space

All proposals for new residential development will need to provide private amenity space that: a. Is of high quality design, and enhances and respects the local character; b. Provides functional space (the minimum width and depth of balconies should be 1.5m); c. Provides a minimum amount of private amenity space of 5m2 per 1-2 person unit and an extra 1m2 per extra occupant thereafter; d. All flatted development and developments of 10 or more houses must provide a minimum of 10m2 per child of new play space, calculated using the Mayor of London's population yield calculator and as a set out in Table 6.2 below. The calculation will be based on all the equivalent of all units being for affordable or social rent unless as signed Section 106 Agreement states otherwise, or an agreement in principle has been reached by the point of determination of any planning application on the amount of affordable housing to be provided. When calculating the amount of private and communal open space to be provided, footpaths, driveways, front gardens, vehicle circulation areas, car and cycle parking areas and refuse areas should be excluded; and e. In the case of development in the grounds of an existing building which is retained, a minimum length of 10m and no less than half or 200m2 (whichever is the smaller) of the existing garden area is retained for the host property, after the subdivision of the garden.

Communal Outdoor Amenity Space

In addition to the provision of private amenity space, proposals for new flatted development and major housing schemes will also need to incorporate high quality communal outdoor amenity space that is designed to be flexible, multifunctional, accessible and inclusive.

Amenity, Overlooking and Daylight

The Council will support proposals for development that ensure that: a. The amenity of the occupiers of adjoining buildings are protected; and that b. They do not result in direct overlooking at close range or habitable rooms in main rear or private elevations; and that c. They do not result in direct overlooking of private outdoor space (with the exception of communal open space) within 10m perpendicular to the rear elevation of a dwelling; and that d. Provide adequate sunlight and daylight to potential future occupants; and that e. They do not result in significant loss of existing sunlight or daylight levels of adjoining occupiers.

Architectural Detail and Materials

To create a high quality built environment, proposals should demonstrate that: a. The architectural detailing will result in a high quality building and when working with existing buildings, original architectural features such as mouldings, architraves, chimneys or porches that contribute to the architectural character of a building should, where possible, be retained; b. High quality, durable and sustainable materials that respond to the local character in terms of quality, durability, attractiveness, sustainability, texture and colour are incorporated; c. Services, utilities and rainwater goods will be discreetly incorporated within the building envelope; and d. To ensure the design of roof-form positively contributes to the character of the local and wider area; proposals should ensure the design is sympathetic with its local context.

Landscape Design and Management

To ensure a cohesive approach is taken to the design and management of landscape within the borough the Council will require proposals to: a. Incorporate hard and soft landscaping; b. Provide spaces which are visually attractive, easily accessible and safe for all users, and provide a stimulating environment; c. Seek to retain existing landscape features that contribute to the setting and local character of an area; d. Retain existing trees and vegetation including natural habitats; e. In exceptional circumstances where the loss of mature trees is outweighed by the benefits of a development, those trees lost shall be replaced with new semi-mature trees of a commensurate species, scale and form; and f. Adherence with Supplementary Planning Guidance 12 Landscape Design and the Croydon's Public Realm Design Guide, or equivalent, will be encouraged to aid compliance with the policies contained in the Local Plan.

Architectural Lighting

To ensure a creative, sensitive and sustainable approach is taken to incorporating architectural lighting on the exterior of buildings and public spaces the Council will require proposals to: a. Respect enhance and strengthen local character; b. Seek opportunities to enhance and emphasise the key features of heritage assets and local landmark buildings; or seek to encourage the use of public spaces and make them feel safer by incorporating lighting within public spaces; and c. Ensure lighting schemes do not cause glare and light pollution. d. Adherence with Croydon's Public Realm Design Guide, or equivalent, will be encouraged to aid compliance with the policies contained in the Local Plan.

Shop front design and security

DM11.1 To ensure shop fronts are attractive, secure and of a high quality design, the Council will support proposals for new shop fronts and related alterations that respect the scale, character, materials and features of the buildings of which they form part. DM11.2 To ensure shop fronts are attractive, secure and of a high quality design, the Council will support proposals for new shop fronts and related alterations in the Metropolitan Centre, District and Local Centres, Shopping Parades and Restaurant Quarter Parades that: a. Do not include wholly solid or perforated/pinhole external shutters; b. Employ less obtrusive solutions which could include: security glazing, internal shutters, external open, tube and link grille, brick bond parallel pattern lattice type grilles and shutters, concertina or scissor grilles, removable shutters; or c. In some instances a mix of solid and open grille shutters may be acceptable as a solution where any element of solid external shutter proposed is transparent. DM11.3 To ensure shop fronts are sympathetically incorporated and to provide future flexibility, developments that convert shops into residential accommodation should: a. Respect the scale, character, proportions, materials and features of the buildings of which they form part; b. Retain and incorporate historic shop fronts, including signboards, roller blind boxes, corbels, stall risers, cornices, fanlights, console brackets, transoms, pilasters and lobbies into the design; c. For new elements, adopt and reinterpret the language of shop front design; d. Optimise window and door openings; and e. Ensure the design includes elements that provide privacy for the occupiers.

Advertisement hoardings

DM12.1 To ensure advertisement hoardings positively contribute to the character and appearance of existing and new streets, the Council will require advertisement hoardings to: a. Be designed to improve the public realm; b. Demonstrate that the rear of the signs are well designed; c. Reinforce the special character of heritage assets and other visually attractive parts of the borough; and d. Ensure the location and size of hoardings does not harm amenity or conflict with public safety. DM12.2 To ensure advertisement hoardings positively contribute to the character and appearance of the building on which they are attached: a. The design and proportions should complement the symmetry and proportions of the host structure; b. They should be located where they do not obscure or destroy interesting architectural features and detailing; and c. They should be located where they do not cover windows or adversely impact on the functioning of the building. DM12.3 A proposal to display advertisements in Areas of Special Advertisement Control will need to demonstrate that it would not: a. Significantly detract from residential amenity; b. Affect the setting or character of a heritage asset; c. Have a significant impact on the character of Metropolitan Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land, or other rural spaces; d. Have a significant impact on public safety including potential for traffic hazards; e. Have a significant impact on environmentally sensitive and major gateway approaches to the borough; f. Visually separate areas such as car parks and other locations where a safety issue may arise as a result of obscured views into an area; and g. Result in numerous hoardings in an area where the cumulative impact would be detrimental to visual amenity.

Refuse and recycling

DM13.1 To ensure that the location and design of refuse and recycling facilities are treated as an integral element of the overall design, the Council will require developments to: a. Sensitively integrate refuse and recycling facilities within the building envelope, or, in conversions, where that is not possible, integrate within the landscape covered facilities that are located behind the building line where they will not be visually intrusive or compromise the provision of shared amenity space; b. Ensure facilities are visually screened; c. Provide adequate space for the temporary storage of waste (including bulky waste) materials generated by the development; and d. Provide layouts that ensure facilities are safe, conveniently located and easily accessible by occupants, operatives and their vehicles. DM13.2 To ensure existing and future waste can be sustainably and efficiently managed the Council will require a waste management plan for major developments and for developments that are likely to generate large amounts of waste.

Public art

To enhance and express local character, the Council will support the inclusion of public art and require all major schemes to include public art that: a. Is integrated into proposals at an early stage of the design process; b. Enhances and creates local distinctiveness and reinforces a sense of place; c. Responds to local character; d. Makes a positive contribution to the public realm; and e. Engages the local community in its creation.

Tall and large buildings

To ensure tall or large buildings respect and enhance local character, and do not harm the setting of heritage assets, proposals will be permitted where they meet the following criteria: a. They are located in areas identified for such buildings in Policies DM34 to DM49; b. They are located in areas meeting a minimum Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) rating of 4, with direct public transport connections to the Croydon Opportunity Area; c. The design should be of exceptional quality and demonstrate that a sensitive approach has been taken in the articulation and composition of the building form which is proportionate to its scale; d. The building height, footprint and design relates positively to any nearby heritage assets, and conserves or enhances the significance and setting of the assets of the wider historic environment; e. To improve the quality of and access to open space, developments including buildings taller than 40 storeys will need to incorporate amenity space, whether at ground level such as atria or above ground level, such as sky gardens and roof terraces, that is accessible to the public as well as residents of the development; and f. To ensure tall and large buildings are well integrated with the local area, they should include at least an active ground floor and inclusive public realm.

Views and Landmarks

DM17.1 The Council will consider the proposed development in relation to its impact on protected Local Designated Views such that developments should not create a crowding effect around, obstruct, or appear too close or high in relation to any Local Designated Landmarks identified in the Local Designated View. DM17.2 Developments should enhance Croydon Panoramas as a whole and should not tightly define the edges of the viewing corridors from the Croydon Panoramas. Developments should not create a crowding effect around, obstruct, or appear too close or high in relation to any Local Designated Landmarks identified in the Croydon Panoramas. DM17.3 Public access to all viewpoints to Local Designated Views and all Croydon Panoramas should be maintained.

Addington

DM34.1 Within the New Addington District Centre, to ensure that the District Centre characteristics are respected and enhanced proposals should: a. Make use of opportunities to create buildings with a larger footprint to the west of Central Parade; or b. Create buildings with smaller footprints that complement existing predominant building heights of 3 storeys up to 12 storeys within Central Parade. DM34.2 Within Addington allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.2.

Addiscombe

DM35.1 Within the Addiscombe District Centre, to ensure that the District Centre characteristics are respected and enhanced proposals should: a. Complement existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to 4 storeys and a maximum of 5 storeys around the Lower Addiscombe Road and Blackhorse Lane Junction; b. Retain the rhythm, size and the continuity of ground floor active frontages; c. Allow flexibility at first floor and above for mixed use; d. Retain, enhance and positively reference corner features such as the articulation of corner buildings and architectural features such as domed projecting bays with finials and the projecting double gable ends running at 90 degree angles interrupting the running cornices; e. Incorporate or retain traditional shop front elements such as stall risers fascias and pilasters; and f. Incorporate multi-stock brick as the predominant facing materials of the whole building. DM35.2 In the area between Addiscombe Railway Park & Lower Addiscombe Road (Section between Leslie Park Road & Grant Road), to ensure changes to the character of this area are carried out in a way that strikes a balance between enhancing the existing character and facilitating growth, proposals should: a. Retain the predominant residential building lines and the open character of front gardens; b. Respond to the fine grain of the existing residential developments; c. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 3 storeys up to 4 storeys; d. Incorporate multi-stock brick and white render as the predominant facing materials of the whole building; and e. Enhance existing and provide new direct public walking and cycling routes to Addiscombe Railway Park by working with the Council and its partners to incorporate sections of the route as part of schemes. DM35.3 Within Addiscombe allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.3.

Broad Green and Selhurst

DM36.1 Within the Broad Green Local Centre, to ensure that proposals positively enhance and strengthen the character of Broad Green Local Centre, and facilitate growth, developments should: a. Sympathetically relate to the predominant building massing within the Local Centre boundaries; b. Positively reference, respect and enhance architectural features such as the consistent rhythm and articulation of windows and doors; c. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to a maximum of 4 storeys; and d. Incorporate multi-stock brick as the predominant facing materials of the whole building. DM36.2 Within the area of the potential new Local Centre at Valley Park, to ensure development opportunities including public realm improvements are undertaken in a cohesive and coordinated manner and that they result in the creation of a Local Centre with a sense of place and distinct character, a masterplan with elements of design code will be developed. DM36.3 In the area of the Lombard Roundabout, to facilitate growth and to enhance the distinctive character of the Lombard Roundabout Area proposals should: a. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 3 storeys up to a maximum of 6 storeys; b. Create a sense of continuity by setting back buildings from the street and create building lines and frontages which positively reference and respond to the junction; c. Address the deficiency in green infrastructure within the area by incorporating tree planting and greenery within the development; and d. Retain the extent and enhance the quality of the existing public realm within the development, including introducing large trees and other vegetation to balance the impact of large or tall buildings. DM36.4 In the area north of Broad Green Local Centre, to ensure that proposals enhance and strengthen the character of the area north of the Broad Green Local Centre, and facilitate growth, developments should: a. Retain and create glimpses and separation distances between buildings in order to improve the openness of London Road; b. Incorporate main pedestrian entrances onto London Road; c. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 3 storeys up to a maximum of 8 storeys; and d. Retain the extent and enhance the quality of the existing public realm within the development, including introducing large trees and other vegetation to balance the impact of large and tall buildings. DM36.5 In the area of the junction of Windmill Road and Whitehorse Road, to create a sense of place of this area proposals should: a. Create building lines and frontages which positively reinforce and respond to the form of the junction; b. Use tree planting to reinforce the street alignment; and c. Complement the existing massing of the immediate area around the Windmill/Whitehorse Road Junction, by ensuring that the overall height of the building does not exceed 5 storeys; or complement the existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to a maximum height of 3 storeys; or ensure the ridge line is no taller than those adjacent to it. DM36.6 Within Broad Green and Selhurst allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.4.

Windmill Road and Whitehorse Road Junction

In the area of the junction of Windmill Road and Whitehorse Road, to create a sense of place of this area proposals should: a. Create building lines and frontages which positively reinforce and respond to the form of the junction; b. Use tree planting to reinforce the street alignment; and c. Complement the existing massing of the immediate area around the Windmill/Whitehorse Road Junction, by ensuring that the overall height of the building does not exceed 5 storeys; or complement the existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to a maximum height of 3 storeys; or ensure the ridge line is no taller than those adjacent to it.

Purley

DM42.1 Within Purley District Centre and its environs, to ensure that proposals positively enhance and strengthen the character and facilitate growth, developments should: a. Reinforce the continuous building line which responds to the street layout and include ground floor active frontages; b. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 3 to 8 storeys, with a potential for a new landmark of up to a maximum of 16 storeys; and c. Demonstrate innovative and sustainable design, with special attention given to the detailing of frontages. DM42.2 In the environs of Reedham station, to create the sense of place and facilitate growth proposals should: a. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to a maximum of 4 storeys; b. Reinforce the predominant building lines and frontages which positively respond to the form of the Brighton Road/Old Lodge Lane junction; c. Improve pedestrian and cycle permeability, accessibility and connectivity across the railway between Brighton Road, Watney Close, Aveling Close and Fairbairn Close; and d. Enhance the suburban shopping area character of this section of Brighton Road. DM42.3 In the area of the junction of Brighton Road and Purley Downs Road, to reduce the impact of Brighton Road as a linear route, clearly differentiate the area from Purley District Centre and Brighton Road (Sanderstead Road) Local Centre and strengthen the sense of place, proposals should: a. Retain and create open glimpses and vistas between buildings; b. Introduce building with landscapes that respond and reflect the layout of the 1930s blocks of Lansdowne Court and Purley Court; and c. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to a maximum of 5 storeys. DM42.4 Within Purley allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.10.

Croydon Opportunity Area

DM38.1 To enable development opportunities, including public realm improvements, to be undertaken in a cohesive and coordinated manner a Croydon Opportunity Area Planning Framework complemented by masterplans with elements of design code for Fair Field, Mid Croydon, West Croydon, East Croydon and Old Town have been adopted. DM38.2 To ensure development opportunities positively transform the local character and include public realm improvements that are undertaken in a cohesive and coordinated manner, a masterplan with elements of design code will be considered for the area within New Town and the Retail Core. DM38.3 Within the Central area as shown on Figure 11.6 and on the Policies Map proposals for tall buildings will be considered on their own merits, including a detailed assessment of building form, treatment, urban design and height along with an assessment of the impact on views, heritage assets, shading and environmental impacts. DM38.4 Within the Edge Area as shown on Figure 11.6 and on the Policies Map, where it can be demonstrated that there will be limited negative impact on sensitive locations and that the form, height, design and treatment of a building are high quality then a tall building may be acceptable. DM38.5 In the London Road area to ensure that proposals positively enhance and strengthen the local character and setting of Locally Listed Buildings, the development should: a. Complement the existing maximum height of 4 storeys; b. Incorporate multi-stock brick as the predominant facing material; c. Retain, enhance and positively reference existing setbacks of the major massing above ground floors; and d. Retain, enhance and positively reference architectural detailing on Locally Listed Buildings. DM38.6 In the area along Sydenham and Lansdowne Road, to facilitate growth and enhance the sense of place, developments should retain and create glimpses and separation distances between buildings in order to improve openness within the edge of the town centre. DM38.7 Within Croydon Opportunity Area allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.6.

Norbury

DM41.1 Within Norbury District Centre, to facilitate growth and to enhance the distinctive character, developments should: a. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to a maximum of 5 storeys; b. Ensure proposal for large buildings are visually consistent with the predominant urban grain; and c. Seek opportunity to provide direct access from the south of London Road to Norbury railway station. DM41.2 Within Pollards Hill Local Centre, to ensure that proposals positively enhance and strengthen the character developments should: a. Retain the edge and separation of Pollards Hill Local Centre from other adjoining character areas by limiting the urban grain within its boundaries; b. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 3 storeys up to a maximum of 4 storeys; c. Incorporate multi-stock brick as the predominant facing materials of the whole building; and d. Retain the extent and enhance the quality of the existing public realm within the development, including reinforcing a consistent building line. DM41.3 Within Norbury allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.9.

Sanderstead

DM43.1 Within Sanderstead Local Centre, to respect and enhance the distinctive qualities proposals should: a. Reinforce the suburban shopping area character; b. Reference, respect and enhance architectural features such as the consistent rhythm of pairs of buildings with identical frontages and the articulation of openings; c. Retain features such as the projecting bay windows; d. Retain wide vistas and strengthen visual connections to green open spaces; and e. Improve walking and cycling connectivity and access to open space. DM43.2 Within Hamsey Green Local Centre, to respect and enhance the distinctive 'Suburban Shopping Area' character of Hamsey Green, proposals should: a. Reinforce the suburban shopping area character; b. Positively reference, respect and enhance architectural features such as the consistent rhythm and articulation of window and doors; c. Ensure the extent of the public realm within the vicinity of the development is retained and improved; and d. Incorporate multi-stock brick or white render as the predominant facing material. DM43.3 Within Sanderstead allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.11.

Selsdon

DM44.1 Within Selsdon District Centre, to enhance the character of Selsdon District Centre proposals should: a. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 3 storeys up to a maximum of 4 storeys; b. Ensure large buildings are sensitively located and of a massing no larger than buildings within this area; c. Ensure that the front elevation of large buildings are broken down to respect the architectural rhythm of the existing street frontages; and d. Should incorporate red multi-stock brick as the predominant facing material. DM44.2 Within Selsdon allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.12.

Shirley

DM45.1 Within Shirley Local Centre, to retain the unique qualities development should: a. Retain the continuity of ground floor active frontages and allow flexibility at first floor and above for mixed use; b. Reference, respect and enhance architectural features such as the consistent rhythm and articulation of fenestration and retain features such as the triangular bay windows; c. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to a maximum of 4 storeys; and d. Incorporate or retain traditional shop front elements such as fascias, pilasters and stall risers. DM45.2 In the area between 518 and 568 Wickham Road, to improve the character proposals should reference the 'Suburban Shopping Area' character type. DM45.3 In the area of the Wickham Road Shopping Parade, to retain the distinctive character of the 794-850 Wickham Road proposals should: a. Complement the existing predominant building heights up to a maximum of 2 storeys; and b. Retain the 'Suburban Shopping Area' character. DM45.4 Within Shirley allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.13.

South Croydon

DM46.1 Within the Brighton Road (Selsdon Road) Local Centre, to encourage a balance to be struck between strengthening and enhancing the character and facilitating growth, proposals should: a. Complement the existing predominant building heights up to a maximum of 3 storeys; b. Positively reinforce, strengthen and enhance characteristic features such as the articulation of corner buildings and continuous building line; c. Incorporate main entrances onto Brighton Road; and d. Positively reference, respect and enhance the articulation of shop fronts, including consistent rhythm and size of windows and doors. DM46.2 Within South Croydon allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.14.

South Norwood and Woodside

DM47.1 Along the section of Portland Road between the South Norwood Conservation Area and Watcombe Road, to facilitate growth and strengthen the edge of the South Norwood District Centre proposals should: a. Relate to the predominant character in adjacent residential areas; b. Complement the existing predominant height up to a maximum height of 3 storeys with accommodation in roof space; c. Incorporate main pedestrian entrances onto Portland Road; and d. Maintain the rhythm and size of ground floor windows and doors. DM47.2 Along the section of Portland Road between Watcombe Road and Woodside Avenue, to create a cohesive sense of place in this area, proposals should complement the existing predominant building heights of 2 storeys up to a maximum of 3 storeys. DM47.3 Within South Norwood and Woodside allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.15.

Thornton Heath

DM48.1 Within the Thornton Heath District Centre and its environs, to ensure a balance is struck between strengthening and enhancing the character and enabling growth, proposals should: a. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 3 storeys up to a maximum of 4 storeys except in the vicinity of Thornton Heath railway station where any tall or large buildings proposed should not exceed 9 storeys; b. Retain the continuity of ground floor active frontages and allow flexibility at first floor and above for mixed use; c. Promote the expansion and enhancement of the shared public realm within the curtilage of the development; d. Ensure that the setting of Thornton Heath's local landmark, the Clock Tower, is respected; and e. Incorporate red multi-stock brick as the predominant facing material. DM48.2 Within the Thornton Heath Pond Local Centre and its environs, to ensure a balance is struck between strengthening and enhancing the character and facilitating growth, proposals should: a. Ensure building lines and frontages positively reference and respond to the form of the Thornton Heath Pond junction; b. Incorporate red multi-stock brick as the predominant facing material; c. Retain the extent and enhance the quality of the existing public realm; d. Complement the existing predominant building heights of 3 storeys up to a maximum of 6 storeys; and e. Ensure transitions between buildings of different sizes create sense of continuity at the street level. DM48.3 Within Thornton Heath allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.16.

Waddon

DM49.1 To enable development opportunities including public realm improvements to be undertaken in a cohesive and coordinated manner, a masterplan with elements of design code will be considered for the area within Waddon's potential new Local Centre. DM49.2 Within Waddon allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.17.

Urban Design and Local Character

SP4.1 The Council will require development of a high quality, which respects and enhances Croydon's varied local character and contributes positively to public realm, landscape and townscape to create sustainable communities. The Council will apply a presumption in favour of development provided it meets the requirements of Policy SP4 and other applicable policies of the development plan. SP4.2 The Council will require development to: a. Be informed by the distinctive qualities, identity, topography and opportunities of the relevant Places of Croydon; b. Protect Local Designated Views, Croydon Panoramas, the setting of Landmarks, other important vistas and skylines; and c. Enhance social cohesion and well-being. SP4.3 Planning applications in areas identified in SP4.5 as suitable for tall buildings must be supported by an elevation plan of the roof. SP4.4 In the Croydon Opportunity Area the Council will support high quality, high density developments that are tailored to and help to protect or establish local identity. SP4.5 Proposals for tall buildings will be encouraged only in the Croydon Opportunity Area, areas in District Centres and locations where it is in an area around well-connected public transport interchanges and where there are direct physical connections to the Croydon Opportunity Area, Croydon Metropolitan Centre or District Centres. Detailed criteria for the assessment of tall buildings, consideration of the appropriateness of tall buildings on individual sites, and/or in District Centres, will be contained in the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals. Furthermore the Croydon Opportunity Area Planning Framework should be referred to when considering the location and design of tall buildings in the Croydon Opportunity Area. SP4.6 Some locations within the areas listed in SP4.5 will be sensitive to, or inappropriate for tall buildings and applications for tall buildings will be required to: a. Respect and enhance local character and heritage assets; b. Minimise the environmental impacts and respond sensitively to topography; c. Make a positive contribution to the skyline and image of Croydon; and d. Include high quality public realm in their proposals to provide a setting appropriate to the scale and significance of the building and the context of the surrounding area. SP4.7 The Council will work with partners (including private land owners) to improve the public realm within the borough. SP4.8 The Council with its partners will improve Croydon's public realm to respect, enhance, create local character and distinctiveness, and integrate with the historic environment. SP4.9 The Council will establish a hierarchy of places and key strategic roads as part of a public realm framework which will guide the delivery of public realm improvements to assist regeneration focusing on Croydon's Metropolitan, District, and Local Centres, Conservation Areas and key strategic roads. SP4.10 The Council will establish guidelines for materials and layout for the public realm as part of the borough's public realm framework. SP4.11 The Council and its partners will promote the use of heritage assets and local character as a catalyst for regeneration and cohesion and to strengthen the sense of place. SP4.12 The Council and its partners will respect, and optimise opportunities to enhance, Croydon's heritage assets, their setting and the historic landscape, including through high quality new development and public realm that respects the local character and is well integrated. SP4.13 The Council and its partners will strengthen the protection of and promote improvements to the following heritage assets and their settings: a. Statutory Listed Buildings; b. Conservation Areas; c. Registered Historic Parks and Gardens; d. Scheduled Monuments; e. Archaeological Priority Areas; f. Local Heritage Areas; g. Local List of Buildings of Historic or Architectural Importance; h. Local List of Historic Parks and Gardens; i. Croydon Panoramas; j. Local Designated Landmarks; and k. Local Designated Views. SP4.14 The Council will maintain a regularly updated schedule of Croydon's designated heritage assets and locally listed heritage assets. SP4.15 The Council and its partners will promote improvements to the accessibility of heritage assets to allow enjoyment of the historic environment for all.

Local Character

High quality new development which respects and enhances Croydon's varied local character and contributes positively to public realm, landscape and townscape to create sustainable communities.

Expansion of industrial and warehousing premises in Strategic, Separated and Integrated Industrial Locations

Within the Strategic, Separated and Integrated Industrial Locations identified in Table 5.2 of Policy SP3.2, the Council will encourage the redevelopment of low density industrial and warehousing premises with higher density industrial and warehousing premises.

Expansion of industrial and warehousing premises in Strategic, Separated and Integrated Industrial Locations

Within the Strategic, Separated and Integrated Industrial Locations identified in Table 5.2 of Policy SP3.2, the Council will encourage the redevelopment of low density industrial and warehousing premises with higher density industrial and warehousing premises.

Employment

Tier 1 Strategic Industrial Locations - Protection for industrial and warehousing activities including Class B2, B8 and B1b, B1c uses. Employment generating sui-generis uses26. Limited planning permission for offices (Class B1a), residential (Class C3), leisure (Class D2), visitor accommodation (Class C1) and community facilities (Class D1) development will be granted if it can be demonstrated that: • there is no demand for the existing premises or for a scheme comprised solely of the permitted uses; and there is no net loss of Class B2 and B8 floor space unless the other uses are required to enable development of the site to be viable; and • new Class B1b, B1c, B2 and B8 premises in mixed use developments are designed to meet the needs of future occupiers; and • residential and office use does not harm the site and wider location's industrial function. • Opportunities for employment and skills training will be considered via Section 106 where possible. Tier 2 Separated and Integrated Industrial Locations - Protection for industrial and warehousing activities encouraging opportunities to provide additional workshop/studios on industrial sites. Class B1b, B1c, B2 and B8 uses. Employment generating sui-generis uses27. Planning permission for offices (Class B1a), residential (Class C3), leisure (Class D2), visitor accommodation (Class C1) and community facilities (Class D1) development will be granted if it can be demonstrated that: • there is no demand for the existing premises or for a scheme comprised solely of the permitted uses; and there is no net loss of Class B1b, B1c, B2, B8 floor space unless the other uses are required to enable development of the site to be viable; and • residential use does not harm the site and wider location's industrial function; and • new Class B1b, B1c, B2 and B8 premises in mixed use developments are designed to meet the needs of future occupiers; and • Residential and Office use does not harm the site and wider location's industrial function. • Opportunities for employment and skills training will be considered via Section 106 where possible. Tier 3 Town Centre Industrial Locations - Protection for industrial and warehousing activities encouraging opportunities to provide additional workshop/studios on town centre sites. Class B1b, B1c, B2 and B8 uses. Employment generating sui-generis uses30. Planning permission for offices (Class B1a), residential (Class C3), leisure (Class D2), visitor accommodation (Class C1) and community facilities (Class D1) development will be granted if it can be demonstrated that: • there is no demand for the existing premises or for a scheme comprised solely of the permitted uses; and there is no net loss of Class B1b, B1c, B2, B8 floor space unless the other uses are required to enable development of the site to be viable; and • residential use does not harm the wider location's business function; and • the development will increase the vitality, viability and diversity of employment uses of the town centre. • Opportunities for employment and skills training will be considered via Section 106 where possible. Tier 4 Scattered Employment Sites - Protection for industrial and warehousing activities. Allowance for community uses to locate in the (Higher PTAL) more accessible locations. Class B1 (excluding B1a office), B2 and B8 uses. Employment generating sui-generis uses31. Class D1 (Education and Community Facilities) in industrial locations in PTALs 3 or above. Planning permission for limited residential development will be granted if it can be demonstrated that: • there is no demand for the existing premises or for a scheme comprised solely of the permitted uses; and • residential use does not harm the wider location's business function. • Opportunities for employment and skills training will be considered via Section 106 where possible.

Employment

The Council will encourage innovation and investment into the borough to support enterprise and increased employment for the benefit of all Croydon residents. The Council will apply a presumption in favour of employment-related development, provided it meets the standards of Policy SP3 and other applicable policies of the development plan.

Employment

The Council will adopt a flexible approach to B1 uses (office, light industry and research & development), retail, leisure (including evening/night-time economy uses), visitor accommodation, and housing and community facilities within Croydon Metropolitan Centre. This flexible approach will be supplemented by the Croydon Opportunity Area Planning Framework and the Council's masterplans that apply to the Croydon Metropolitan Centre.

Employment

The Council will promote and support measures to improve the quality of the borough's stock of retail and office premises, particularly in the Croydon Metropolitan Centre.

Employment

The Council will promote and support the development of new and refurbished office floor space in Croydon Metropolitan Centre, particularly around East Croydon Station and within New Town, and the District Centres as follows: a. Up to 92,000m2 by 2031 to be located in Croydon Metropolitan Centre; b. Retaining, or through refurbishment providing, higher quality office floor space (Grade A), or lower quality floor space for which there remains a demand, within the Office Retention Area of the Croydon Metropolitan Centre. Mixed use developments must include a level of office floor space proportionate to Croydon's role as an Outer London Office Centre; and c. Up to 7,000m2 to be spread across the borough's District Centres.

Employment

Opportunities for employment and skills training will be considered by means of section 106 agreements for major developments (residential developments of 10 units or more or non-residential developments exceeding 1,000m2). The Council will seek to secure a minimum of 20% of the total jobs created by the construction of new development above the set threshold to be advertised exclusively to local residents through the Council's Job Brokerage Service for a specified minimum period. It is expected that best endeavours be used and that the developer will work with the Council to ensure that the target of 20% employment of local residents is achieved in both construction and end user phase of new qualifying development.

Employment

The Council will adopt a '4-Tier' approach to the retention and redevelopment of land and premises relating to industrial/employment activity as set out in Table 5.1.

Employment

The Council will promote the growth and expansion of Cultural and Creative Industries to make Croydon a better place to live and to act as a driver of growth and enterprise in the local economy. The focus for accommodating Cultural and Creative Industries will be the network of Enterprise Centres set out below: a. Croydon Metropolitan Centre; b. Purley District Centre; c. Crystal Palace District Centre; and d. South Norwood District Centre/Portland Road.

Employment

The Council will promote the remodelling of the Fairfield Halls as a performance facility.

Employment

The Council will support the temporary occupation of empty buildings and cleared sites by creative industries and cultural organisations and other meanwhile uses where they contribute to regeneration and enhance the character and vitality of the area.

Employment

The Council will apply the London Plan Town Centre hierarchy: a. Croydon Metropolitan Centre b. District Centres: Addiscombe, Coulsdon, Crystal Palace, New Addington, Norbury, Purley, Selsdon, South Norwood and Thornton Heath c. Local Centres: Beulah Road, Brighton Road (Sanderstead Road), Brighton Road (Selsdon Road), Broad Green, Hamsey Green, Pollards Hill, Sanderstead, Shirley and Thornton Heath Pond.

Employment

The Council will work with the GLA and neighbouring boroughs to ensure Croydon's network of town centres is sufficiently flexible to accommodate change up to 2031 by: a. Working with its partners through the process of regular town centre 'health checks' to highlight reclassifications of the borough's existing Local and District Centres; b. Designating the boundaries of the network of town centres and their Primary Shopping Areas in the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals and undertaking regular review to ensure the vitality of the centres is maintained; and c. Considering the designation of new Local Centres at Fiveways and Valley Park when they can be supported by population growth in these areas.

Employment

The Council will promote and support the development of all B1 uses (including office, light industry and research & development) retail, leisure (including evening/night-time economy uses), visitor accommodation, and housing and community facilities within Croydon Metropolitan Centre, District Centres and Local Centres.

Employment

Croydon Metropolitan Centre will remain the principal location in the borough for office, retail, cultural (including a diverse evening/night-time economy) and hotel activity, and also be the largest retail and commercial centre in South London.

Environment and Climate Change

SP6.1 In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver development that is adaptable in a changing climate, the Council will apply a presumption in favour of development provided applications meet the requirements of Policy SP6 and other applicable policies of the development plan. SP6.2 The Council will ensure that future development makes the fullest contribution to minimising carbon dioxide emissions in accordance with the London Plan energy hierarchy (use less energy, supply energy efficiently and use renewable energy), to assist in meeting local, London Plan and national CO2 reduction targets. The Council will promote the development of district energy networks where opportunities exist due to high heat density or an increase in heat density brought about by new development. This will be achieved by: a. Requiring high density residential developments of 20 or more units to incorporate site wide communal heating systems b. Requiring major development to be enabled for district energy connection unless demonstrated not to be feasible or financially viable to do so. SP6.3 The Council will seek high standards of sustainable design and construction from new development, conversion and refurbishment to assist in meeting local and national CO2 reduction targets. This will be achieved by: a. Requiring new-build residential development of fewer than 10 units to achieve the national technical standard for energy efficiency in new homes (2015). This is set at a minimum of 19% CO2 reduction beyond the Building Regulations Part L (2013); b. Requiring new-build residential development of 10 units or more to achieve the London Plan requirements or National Technical Standards (2015) for energy performance, whichever the higher standard; c. Requiring all new-build residential development to meet a minimum water efficiency standard of 110 litres/person/day as set out in Building Regulations Part G; d. Requiring conversions and changes of use of existing buildings providing more than 10 new residential units to achieve a minimum of BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Very Good rating or equivalent; e. Requiring new build non-residential development of 500m2 and above to achieve a minimum of BREEAM Excellent standard or equivalent; f. Requiring conversions and changes of use to non-residential uses with an internal floor area of 500m2 and above to achieve a minimum of BREEAM Very Good standard or equivalent; g. Requiring new build, non-residential development of 1000m2 and above to achieve a minimum of 35% CO2 reduction beyond the Building Regulations Part L (2013); and h. Requiring development to positively contribute to improving air, land, noise, and water quality by minimising pollution, with detailed policies to be included in the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals. SP6.4 The Council, as a Lead Local Flood Authority, will work in partnership with the Environment Agency, community groups, water and highways infrastructure providers, developers and other Lead Local Flood Authorities to reduce flood risk, protect groundwater and aquifers, and minimise the impact of all forms of flooding in the borough. This will be achieved by: a. Applying the Sequential Test and Exception Test where required by Policy DM25; b. Requiring major developments in Flood Zone 1 and all new development within Flood Zones 2 and 3 to provide site specific Flood Risk Assessments proportionate with the degree of flood risk posed to and by the development, taking account of the advice and recommendations within the Council's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and Surface Water Management Plan; c. Requiring all development, including refurbishment and conversions, to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDs) to reduce surface water run-off and provide water treatment on site; and d. Requiring development proposals to account for possible groundwater contamination in Source Protection Zones 1 and 2. SP6.5 The Council and its partners will promote the implementation of 'Urban Blue Corridors', enabling a network of multifunctional spaces and corridors that provide safe routes and storage for flood water within the urban environment. This will be achieved by: a. Supporting schemes that make space for water in flood events; b. Supporting schemes to de-culvert sections of the River Wandle, Norbury Brook and Caterham Bourne; c. Preserving and enhancing landscape, heritage and culture through protection and access improvements to the borough's ponds, open water and water heritage sites; and d. Maximising opportunities to establish overland flow paths, surface water ponding areas, urban watercourse buffer areas and multi-use flood storage areas in locations of high surface water flood risk and critical drainage areas. SP6.6 The Council supports the objectives of sustainable waste management set out in the London Plan and national policy. The Council will identify the necessary capacity in collaboration with the neighbouring boroughs of Merton, Kingston and Sutton to maximise self-sufficiency in managing the waste generated within the four boroughs. This will be achieved through the South London Waste Plan DPD and any further revisions. SP6.7 The Council will support schemes for aggregate recycling facilities within the borough and seek to reduce the environmental impact of aggregates by supporting the enhancement and development of aggregate recycling facilities where there is no significant detriment to local amenity (see Policy SP8 regarding freight movement and railheads).

Land contamination

DM24.1 The Council will permit development proposals located on or near potentially contaminated sites, provided that detailed site investigation is undertaken prior to the start of construction in order to assess: a. The nature and extent of contamination; and b. The production of landfill gases and the potential risks to human health, adjacent land uses and the local environment. DM24.2 Where the assessment identifies unacceptable risks to human health, adjacent land uses or the local environment, site remediation and aftercare measures will be agreed or secured by condition to protect the health of future occupants or users. DM24.3 All development proposals on contaminated sites should be accompanied by a full risk assessment, which takes into account existing site conditions.

Sustainable Drainage Systems and reducing flood risk

DM25.1 The Council will ensure that development in the borough reduces flood risk and minimises the impact of flooding by: a. Steering development to the areas with a lower risk of flooding; b. Applying the Sequential Test and Exception Test in accord with Table 8.1; c. Taking account of all sources of flooding from fluvial, surface water, groundwater, sewers, reservoirs and ordinary watercourses; and d. Applying the sequential approach to site layout by locating the most vulnerable uses in parts of the site at the lowest risk of flooding. DM25.2 In areas at risk of flooding development should be safe for the lifetime of development and should incorporate flood resilience and resistant measures into the design, layout and form of buildings to reduce the level of flood risk both on site and elsewhere. DM25.3 Sustainable drainage systems are required in all development and should: a. Ensure surface run-off is managed as close to the source as possible; b. Accord with the London Plan Sustainable Drainage Hierarchy; c. Achieve better than greenfield runoff rates; d. Be designed to be multifunctional and incorporate sustainable drainage into landscaping and public realm to provide opportunities to improve amenity and biodiversity; e. Achieve improvements in water quality through an sustainable drainage system management train; and f. Be designed with consideration of future maintenance.

Metropolitan Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land

DM26.1 The Council will protect and safeguard the extent of the borough's Metropolitan Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land as designated on the Policies Map by applying the same level of protection afforded to Metropolitan Green Belt in national planning policy to Metropolitan Open Land in the borough. DM26.2 Extensions to existing buildings in Metropolitan Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land should not be more than 20% of their original floor space or volume, or 100m2 (whichever is the smaller) unless they are for agricultural use, forestry, or facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation or cemeteries. DM26.3 Extensions to existing buildings in Metropolitan Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land that are less than 20% of the original floor space or volume, or less than 100m2 in extent (whichever is the smaller) and extensions for agricultural use, forestry, or facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation or cemeteries may still be disproportionate. In considering whether they are disproportionate and also whether a new replacement dwelling is materially larger or, if any proposed structure harms the openness of Metropolitan Green Belt or Metropolitan Open Land the Council will have regard to: a. Changes in the floor space and volume of buildings; b. The floor space and volume of all previous extensions (since 1948), alterations and developments within the curtilage of the dwelling; c. Use of basements and roof spaces as living areas; d. Whether there is an increase in the spread of buildings across the site, in particular where visible from public vantage points; e. The size of the curtilage and character of the surrounding area; and f. Whether ancillary structures have an urbanising effect.

Protecting and enhancing our biodiversity

To enhance biodiversity across the borough and improve access to nature, development proposals should: a. Incorporate biodiversity on development sites to enhance local flora and fauna and aid pollination locally; b. Incorporate biodiversity within and on buildings in the form of green roofs, green walls or equivalent measures; c. Incorporate productive landscapes in the design and layout of buildings and landscaping of all major developments; d. Have no adverse impact on land with biodiversity or geo-diversity value as designated on the Policies Map; and e. Have no adverse impact on species of animal or plant or their habitat protected under British or European law, highlighted within a local/regional Biodiversity Action Plan, or when the Council is presented with evidence that a protected species would be affected.

Trees

The Council will seek to protect and enhance the borough's woodlands, trees and hedgerows by: a. Ensuring that all development proposals accord with the recommendations of BS5837 2012 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction) or equivalent; b. Not permitting development that results in the avoidable loss or the excessive pruning of preserved trees or retained trees where they make a contribution to the character of the area; c. Not permitting development that could result in the future avoidable loss or excessive pruning of preserved trees or trees that make a contribution to the character of the area; d. Not permitting development resulting in the avoidable loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland, hedgerows and veteran trees; and e. Producing a tree strategy outlining how the local authority will manage its tree stock and influence the management of those trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order.

Development and construction

The Council will promote high standards of development and construction throughout the borough by: a. Ensuring that future development, that may be liable to cause or be affected by pollution through air, noise, dust, or vibration, will not be detrimental to the health, safety and amenity of users of the site or surrounding land; b. Ensuring that developments are air quality neutral and do not lead to further deterioration of existing poor air quality; c. Ensuring mitigation measures are put in place to reduce the adverse impacts to acceptable levels. Where necessary, the Council will set planning conditions to reduce the impact on adjacent land uses to acceptable levels, relative to ambient noise levels and the character of the locality; and d. Encouraging the use of sustainable and innovative construction materials and techniques in developments.

Green Grid

SP7.1 In order to deliver new and enhanced green infrastructure commensurate with growth the Council will apply a presumption in favour of development provided applications assist in the delivery of a Green Grid and meet the requirements of Policy SP7 and other applicable policies of the development plan. SP7.2 The Council will protect and safeguard the extent of the borough's Metropolitan Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land and local green spaces. SP7.3 The Council will establish a network of multi-functional open spaces, a 'Green Grid', comprising those parts of the All London Green Grid together with other green spaces within the borough as shown in Figure 9.1. The Council and its partners will: a. Seek the provision and creation of new green spaces. With particular focus for areas deficient in access to nature, play areas, and publicly accessible recreational open space; b. Improve access and links to and through green spaces to encourage walking, cycling and horse-riding; c. Assist in the delivery of the Mayor's All London Green Grid through the implementation of the London Downlands and Wandle Valley Area Frameworks; d. Maintain and improve the quality, function and offer of open spaces across the borough for all users; and e. Maximise opportunities for street tree planting, green roofs, green walls and green landscaping to assist urban cooling in a changing climate. SP7.4 The Council and its partners will enhance biodiversity across the borough, assist ecological restoration and address spatial deficiencies in access to nature by: a. Protecting and enhancing sites of importance for biological and geological diversity; b. Improving the quality of current sites through habitat management; c. Exploring options to increase the size of wildlife areas of existing sites and creating new areas for wildlife; d. Enhancing connections between, or joining up sites, either through direct physical corridors, or through a series of linked sites; e. Reducing the pressures on wildlife and sensitive sites by improving the wider environment around wildlife sites by establishing buffer areas; and f. Promoting the naturalisation of landscapes and the enhancement of Croydon's natural landscape signatures. SP7.5 The Council and its partners will support the role of productive landscapes by: a. Protecting and enhancing allotments, community gardens and woodland; b. Supporting food growing, tree planting and forestry, including the temporary utilisation of cleared sites; and encouraging major residential developments to incorporate edible planting and growing spaces at multiple floor levels; and c. Ensuring landscaping is flexible so that spaces may be adapted for growing opportunities.

Environment and Climate Change

Development of district energy networks in areas of high heat density within the borough. Installation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for all new development including conversions. Safeguarding groundwater Source Protection Zones. De-culvert sections of the River Wandle, Norbury Brook and Caterham Bourne. Enhanced access improvements for the boroughs ponds, open water and water heritage sites. Overland flow paths, surface water ponding areas, urban watercourse buffer areas and multi-use flood storage areas. Preferred locations in collaboration with the neighbouring boroughs of Merton, Kingston and Sutton to maximise self-sufficiency in managing the waste generated. Protection and enhancement of aggregates recycling facilities.

Green Grid

Improved pedestrian, cycle and equestrian access between and through green spaces. Urban greening (including green roofs and walls) to ameliorate the urban heat island effect. Enhanced biodiversity and geological diversity. Enhanced allotments, community gardens, and woodland.

Historic Street Furniture

The Council will seek to support proposals that restore and incorporate historic street furniture within the development.

Heritage assets and conservation

To preserve and enhance the character, appearance and setting of heritage assets within the borough, the Council will determine all development proposals that affect heritage assets in accordance with the following: a. Development affecting heritage assets will only be permitted if their significance is preserved or enhanced; b. Proposals for development will only be permitted if they enhance the setting of the heritage asset affected or have no adverse impact on the existing setting; c. Proposals for changes of use should retain the significance of a building and will be supported only if they are necessary to keep the building in active use; and d. Where there is evidence of intentional damage or deliberate neglect to a heritage asset, its current condition will not be taken into account in the decision-making process.

Heritage assets and conservation

Applications for development proposals that affect heritage assets or their setting must demonstrate: a. How particular attention has been paid to scale, height, massing, historic building lines, the pattern of historic development, use, design, detailing and materials; b. That it is of a high quality design that integrates with and makes a positive contribution to the historic environment; and c. How the integrity and significance of any retained fabric is preserved.

Heritage assets and conservation

To preserve and enhance Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments and Registered Parks and Gardens within the borough, the Council will determine all development proposals that affect these heritage assets in accordance with the following: a. Substantial harm to or loss of a Grade II Listed Building or Registered Park and Garden should be exceptional; b. Substantial harm to or loss of a Grade I or II* Listed Building or a Scheduled Monument should be wholly exceptional; and c. All alterations and extensions should enhance the character, features and setting of the building or monument and must not adversely affect the asset's significance.

Heritage assets and conservation

To preserve and enhance the character, appearance and setting of Conservation Areas within the borough, the Council will determine all development proposals that affect Conservation Areas in accordance with the following: a. The demolition of a building that makes a positive contribution to the special character and appearance of a Conservation Area will be treated as substantial harm; b. Where the demolition of a building in a Conservation Area is considered to be acceptable, permission for its demolition will only be granted subject to conditions linking demolition to the implementation of an approved redevelopment scheme; and c. All proposals for development must have regard to the development principles in the Conservation Area General Guidance Supplementary Planning Document and Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan Supplementary Planning Documents or equivalent.

Heritage assets and conservation

To preserve and enhance the character, appearance and setting of Locally Listed Buildings within the borough, the Council will determine all development proposals that affect Locally Listed Buildings in accordance with the following: a. Substantial weight will be given to preserving and enhancing Locally Listed Buildings; where demolition is proposed, it should be demonstrated that all reasonable attempts have been made to retain all or part of the building; b. All alterations and extensions should enhance the building's character, setting and features and must not adversely affect the significance of the building; and c. All proposals for development must have regard to Croydon's Local List of Buildings of Historic or Architectural Importance Supplementary Planning Document or equivalent.

Heritage assets and conservation

To preserve and enhance the character, appearance and setting of Local Heritage Areas within the borough, the Council will determine all development proposals that affect a Local Heritage Area in accordance with the following: a. Substantial weight will be given to protecting and enhancing buildings, townscape and landscape features that make a positive contribution to the special character and appearance of a Local Heritage Area; and b. All proposals for development must have regard to the development principles in the Conservation Area General Guidance Supplementary Planning Document and the Local Heritage Area evidence base.

Heritage assets and conservation

Substantial weight will be given to conserving and enhancing landscape features or planting that makes a positive contribution to the special historic character and original layout of Registered and Locally Listed Historic Parks and Gardens.

Heritage assets and conservation

All development proposals must preserve and enhance War Memorials and other monuments, and their settings.

Heritage assets and conservation

In consultation with the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service, or equivalent authority, the Council will require the necessary level of investigation and recording for development proposals that affect, or have the potential to affect Croydon's archaeological heritage. Remains of archaeological importance, whether scheduled or not, should be protected in situ or, if this is not possible, excavated and removed as directed by the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service or equivalent authority.

Housing choice for sustainable communities

DM1.1 The Council will seek to enable housing choice for sustainable communities by requiring the minimum provision of homes designed with 3 or more bedrooms on sites of 10 or more dwellings as shown in Table 4.1, except: a. Where there is agreement with the associated affordable housing provider that three or more bedroom dwellings are neither viable nor needed as part of the affordable housing element of any proposal, or; b. Within three years of the adoption of this plan, where a viability assessment demonstrates that larger homes would not be viable, an element may be substituted by two bedroom, four person homes complying with the floor space specification of national Technical Standards or the London Mayor's Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance or equivalent. DM1.2 The Council will permit the redevelopment of the residential units where it does not result in the net loss of 3 bedroom homes (as originally built) or the loss of homes smaller than 130m2.

Housing choice for sustainable communities

The Council will seek to enable housing choice for sustainable communities by requiring the minimum provision of homes designed with 3 or more bedrooms on sites of 10 or more dwellings as shown in Table 4.1, except: a. Where there is agreement with the associated affordable housing provider that three or more bedroom dwellings are neither viable nor needed as part of the affordable housing element of any proposal, or; b. Within three years of the adoption of this plan, where a viability assessment demonstrates that larger homes would not be viable, an element may be substituted by two bedroom, four person homes complying with the floor space specification of national Technical Standards or the London Mayor's Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance or equivalent.

Housing choice for sustainable communities

The Council will permit the redevelopment of the residential units where it does not result in the net loss of 3 bedroom homes (as originally built) or the loss of homes smaller than 130m2.

Residential care and nursing homes

Planning permission for new residential care or nursing homes will only be granted if there is a need for the particular services provided by the home in supporting with the care of residents of Croydon.

Residential care and nursing homes

Proposals for supported living and sheltered accommodation will generally be supported in the borough in accordance with the London Plan, Annex A5, Specialist Housing for Older People.

Residential care and nursing homes

This policy does not apply to accommodation for children (under the age of eighteen).

Vacant building credit

The Council will promote the re-use or redevelopment of existing buildings by applying a vacant building credit such that affordable housing requirements will only apply to the net increase in floor space resultant from development of buildings which have been: a. Vacant for a period of at least eighteen months prior to the granting of planning permission; and b. Marketed for their lawful use (or uses which could be lawful under the General Permitted Development Order) throughout the period they have been vacant.

Vacant building credit

Vacant building credit will not be applied to development proposals or to proposals to modify S106 agreements for schemes which are the same as or similar to an extant or recently expired planning permission where: a. A similar planning permission is one where there is less than a 25% increase in the proposed residential and non-residential floor space and where the overall residential floor space is more than half that of the existing or recently expired permission; and b. A recently expired permission is one that lapsed within the previous two years prior to the granting of consent of the new planning permission.

Broad Green and Selhurst Site Allocations

Within Broad Green and Selhurst allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.4.

Coulsdon

Within Coulsdon allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.5.

Homes

SP2.1 In order to provide a choice of housing for people in socially-balanced and inclusive communities in Croydon, the Council will apply a presumption in favour of development of new homes provided applications for residential development to meet the requirements of Policy SP2, SP3.14 and other applicable policies of the development plan. SP2.2 In order to provide a choice of housing for people in Croydon the Council will seek to deliver a minimum of 32,8908 homes between 2016 and 2036. This will be achieved by: a. Concentrating development in the places with the most capacity to accommodate new homes whilst respecting the local distinctiveness of the Places and protecting the borough's physical, natural and historic environment, whilst recognising that Places change and in particular suburbs will sustainably grow; and b. The allocation of 6,970 homes in the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals beyond the Croydon Opportunity Area; c. Within the Croydon Opportunity Area, the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals has been informed by the Croydon Opportunity Area Planning Framework and allocates sites for at least 10,760 net additional homes; and d. 10,060 homes being delivered across the borough on windfall sites; and e. Seeking to return at least 190 vacant homes back into use by 2026; and f. Ensuring land is used efficiently, and that development addresses the need for different types of homes in the borough and contributes to the creation or maintenance of sustainable communities; and g. Not permitting developments which would result in a net loss of homes or residential land. SP2.3 The Council will seek to ensure that a choice of homes is available in the borough that will contribute to addressing the borough's need for affordable homes. This will be achieved by a strategic policy target of: a. 25% of all new homes developed in the borough over the plan period to be either affordable rented homes (homes which are up to 80% market rent) or homes for social rent to meet the borough's need; and b. 15% of all new homes in the borough developed over the plan period to be intermediate affordable housing for starter homes, low cost shared home ownership managed by a Registered Social Landlord or intermediate rent. SP2.4 To deliver affordable housing in the borough, on sites of ten or more dwellings the Council will: a. Negotiate to achieve up to 50% affordable housing, subject to viability; b. Seek a 60:40 ratio between affordable rented homes and intermediate (including starter) homes unless there is agreement between Croydon Council and a Registered Provider that a different tenure split is justified and subject to national regulations on provision of starter homes or, on schemes which are covenanted Private Rental Schemes where the 60:40 ratio is not viable; and; c. Require a minimum provision of affordable housing as set out in SP2.5. SP2.5 The Council will require a minimum provision of affordable housing to be provided either: a. Preferably as a minimum level of 30% affordable housing on the same site as the proposed development or, if 30% on site provision is not viable; b. If the site is in the Croydon Opportunity Area or a District Centre, as a minimum level of 15% affordable housing on the same site as the proposed development plus the simultaneous delivery of the equivalent of 15% affordable housing on a donor site with a prior planning permission in addition to that site's own requirement. If the site is in the Croydon Opportunity Area, the donor site must be located within either the Croydon Opportunity Area or one of the neighbouring Places of Addiscombe, Broad Green & Selhurst, South Croydon or Waddon. If the site is in a District Centre, the donor site must be located within the same Place as the District Centre; or c. As a minimum level of 15% affordable housing on the same site as the proposed development, plus a Review Mechanism entered into for the remaining affordable housing (up to the equivalent of 50% overall provision through a commuted sum based on a review of actual sales values and build costs of completed units) provided 30% on-site provision is not viable, construction costs are not in the upper quartile and, in the case of developments in the Croydon Opportunity Area or District Centres, there is no suitable donor site. In assessing viability, the Council will compare Residual Land Value with Existing Use Value (plus an incentive to provide a competitive return to a willing landowner) or Alternative Use value if there is an alternative use for the site which would comply with the policies of the development plan and could be implemented; will take account of features which appear to seek to exclude affordable housing by design or by incurring upper quartile construction costs; and will take account of abnormal costs incurred. SP2.6 The Council will only accept in exceptional circumstances commuted sums on sites with ten or more units in lieu of on-site provision of affordable housing (or provision on a donor site) if it is not possible to find a Registered Provider to manage the on-site affordable homes. SP2.7 The Council will seek to ensure that a choice of homes is available in the borough that will address the borough's need for homes of different sizes. For both market and affordable housing, this will be achieved by: a. Setting a strategic target for 30% of all new homes up to 2036 to have three or more bedrooms; and b. Setting a preferred unit mix on individual sites in the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals, applicable to sites of ten or more homes across the borough including sites within Croydon Opportunity Area; and c. Working with partners to facilitate the provision of specialist and supported housing for elderly and vulnerable people. SP2.8 The Council will seek to ensure that new homes in Croydon meet the needs of residents over a lifetime and contribute to sustainable communities with the borough. This will be achieved by: a. Requiring that all new homes achieve the minimum standards set out in the Mayor of London's Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance and National Technical Standards (2015) or equivalent; and b. Ensuring that all new homes designed for families meet minimum design and amenity standards set out in the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals and other relevant London Plan and National Technical Standards (2015) or equivalent. SP2.9 The Council will deliver a minimum of 36 additional Gypsy and Travellers pitches in the borough by 2036 to meet the need of Croydon's Gypsy and Traveller community. Land is allocated for Gypsy and Traveller pitches in the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals. Any proposals for additional sites that are not allocated should meet the following criteria: a. Should be available and deliverable; and b. Should have good access to essential services including health and education facilities and access to local shops; and c. Have good means of access from roads; and d. Not be located in areas of high flood risk (Flood Risk Zone 3); and e. Should not have unacceptable adverse impact on the biodiversity of the borough.

Telecommunications

DM33.1 When planning permission is required, proposals for telecommunications development will be permitted provided that: a. If proposing a new mast, it has been demonstrated that there are no existing buildings, masts or other structures on which the proposed apparatus can be sited; b. If proposing telecommunications development in Metropolitan Green Belt it has been demonstrated that there are no suitable sites that are not in Metropolitan Green Belt and there is no impact on openness; c. If proposing telecommunications development on Metropolitan Open Land it has been demonstrated that there are no suitable sites that are not on Metropolitan Open Land and there is no impact on the existing purpose of the site and its reason for it being designated as Metropolitan Open Land; and d. The siting of the proposed apparatus and associated structures minimises the impact on the operation of other electronic devices within the surrounding area. DM33.2 Telecommunication development on a building or other existing structure should be sited and designed to minimise impact to the external appearance of the host building or structure.

Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood

Within Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.7.

Kenley and Old Coulsdon

Within Kenley and Old Coulsdon allocate sites for development as set out in Table 11.8.

The Places of Croydon

SP1.1 When considering development proposals, the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with polices in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: a. Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or b. Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted. SP1.2 The Council will require all new development in the borough to contribute to enhancing a sense of place and improving the character of the area, whilst acknowledging the need for growth: a. Development proposals should respond to and enhance local character, the heritage assets and identity of the Places of Croydon; and b. Development proposals should be informed by the 16 Places of Croydon (refer to Section 11 - The Places of Croydon), the Borough Character Appraisal and other place-based evidence. SP1.3 Growth in homes, jobs and services that constitutes sustainable development will be welcomed; provided growth is directed to places with good concentrations of existing infrastructure or areas where there is capacity to grow with further sustainable infrastructure investment within the plan period to 2036. Croydon Opportunity Area will be the primary location for growth, including approximately a third of the borough's residential growth, with the Places of Waddon, Purley, Broad Green & Selhurst, Thornton Heath and Coulsdon accommodating medium and moderate residential growth (see the Key Diagram). SP1.4 The Council will seek to encourage growth and sustainable development and to manage change, so as to create a network of connected, sustainable, high quality, locally distinctive, healthy places.

Development in edge of centre and out of centre locations

The Council will ensure the vitality and viability of the borough's town centres is maintained and increased by: a. Ensuring new development proposals for main town centre uses in edge of centre and out of centre locations are in accordance with Table 5.11 and Table 5.12; and b. Applying planning conditions to control the subdivision of units, extensions (including mezzanines), and the range and mix of convenience and comparison goods sold.

Development in Croydon Metropolitan Centre, District and Local Centres

DM4.1 The Council will ensure that the vitality and viability of Croydon Metropolitan Centre and the borough's District and Local Centres is maintained and increased by not permitting new developments or changes of use which would result in a net loss of ground floor Class A uses within Main Retail Frontages (unless it relates to the expansion of an existing community use). DM4.2 Within Croydon Metropolitan Centre and the borough's District and Local Centres development proposals and changes of use on the ground floor must accord with Table 5.3. DM4.3 Outside of Main and Secondary Retail Frontages, but within centres, proposals for mixed use developments will be required to either: a. Demonstrate that a specific end user will be occupying the ground floor unit upon completion; or b. Provide a free fitting out of all ground floor units for the eventual end occupier to ensure that the unit is capable of occupation and operation by the end user and ensure that the ground floor units are capable of conversion to the same use as the remainder of the building if after two years, subsequent to completion, no end user has been found for the ground floor unit.

Development in Neighbourhood Centres

DM5.1 The Council will ensure that the vitality and viability of Neighbourhood Centres are maintained and enhanced and that they continue to provide a level of service of neighbourhood significance. DM5.2 In the vicinity of Neighbourhood Centres, development proposals: a. For A1-A5 uses, B1 uses and community facilities should be of a reasonable scale, proportionate to serve a neighbourhood need and have a clear relationship to other facilities within the centre. Guidance is given in Appendix 4; b. Must accord with Table 5.5; and c. Demonstrably relate to the Neighbourhood Centre, be in scale and be within reasonable walking distance to other retail and community uses within the centre.

Development in Shopping Parades

The Council will ensure that the vitality and viability of the borough's Shopping Parades is maintained and increased and that they continue to serve local communities by ensuring new development proposals and changes of use on the ground floor are in accordance with Table 5.7. Table 5.7 New development proposals and changes of use in Shopping Parades Use: A1 Expansion of existing units or newly proposed units: Changes of use or proposals which do not result in an increase in floor space of the overall Parade are acceptable in principle. Other development will be subject to the provisions of Policy DM8: Development in edge of centre and out of centre locations. Use: A2 – A4 and Community Uses Expansion of existing units or newly proposed units: Acceptable in principle as long as it does not result in more than 50% of the ground floor of units (within the entirety of the Parade) falling outside the A1 Use Class. Use: A5 Expansion of existing units or newly proposed units: Acceptable in principle as long as it does not result in more than 50% of the ground floor of such units (within the entirety of the Parade) falling outside the A1 Use Class, allows for a range of A2-A4 uses as well as A5, provides an active frontage, provides adequate arrangements for dealing with waste (including customers' waste) and for any delivery service intended and is accredited in accordance with the Council's Eat Well Croydon scheme. Use: B1 (Change of use only) Expansion of existing units or newly proposed units: Changes of use to office, research & development and light industrial workshops are acceptable in principle as long as it does not result in more than 50% of the ground floor of units (within the entirety of the Parade) falling outside the A1 Use Class, allows for a range of A2-A4 uses as well as B1 and provides an active frontage. Use: All Other Uses (including new development of B1) Expansion of existing units or newly proposed units: Unless it relates to a Community Use or change of use to B1 use, proposals involving an increase of non Class A ground floor space within parades will be refused.

Development in Restaurant Quarter Parades

The designated Restaurant Quarter Parades will ensure the vitality and viability is maintained and increased and that it continues to serve local communities by ensuring new development proposals and changes of use are in accordance with Table 5.9. Table 5.9 New development proposals and changes of use in Restaurant Quarter Parades Use: A3 - A4 Expansion of existing units or newly proposed units: Acceptable in principle Use: A5 Expansion of existing units or newly proposed units: Proposals for new A5 uses or extensions to existing A5 uses will be refused Use: All Other Uses Expansion of existing units or newly proposed units: Unless it relates to a Community Use (up to 250m2 gross), proposals involving an increase of non A3 - A4 Class ground floor space within Restaurant Quarter Parades will be refused

Development in edge of centre and out of centre locations

The Council will ensure the vitality and viability of the borough's town centres is maintained and increased by: a. Ensuring new development proposals for main town centre uses in edge of centre and out of centre locations are in accordance with Table 5.11 and Table 5.12; and b. Applying planning conditions to control the subdivision of units, extensions (including mezzanines), and the ran

Employment

The Council will favourably consider net increases to the stock of retail premises commensurate with Croydon's retail function as a Metropolitan Centre and ensuring the viability and vitality of Croydon Metropolitan Centre, District Centre and Local Centres. The Council will seek to maintain as a minimum, the current amount of retail floor space in Croydon, enhance the quality of retail floor space in Croydon and seek to reduce A Use Class vacancy.

Restricting temporary car parks

To enhance a sense of place and to improve the character of an area, permission will only be granted to use empty spaces for temporary uses that are not car parks unless in temporary substitution for a nearby permanent car park undergoing redevelopment.

Facilitating rail and tram improvements

Development will not be supported where it might prejudice the implementation of: a. Station improvement schemes or other proposals to upgrade train services along the Brighton Main Line corridor; or b. Infrastructure extensions or other operational improvements to increase capacity of the Tramlink network.

Promoting sustainable travel and reducing congestion

To promote sustainable growth in Croydon and reduce the impact of traffic congestion development should: a. Promote measures to increase the use of public transport, cycling and walking; b. Have a positive impact and must not have a detrimental impact on highway safety for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and private vehicles; and c. Not result in a severe impact on the transport networks local to the site which would detract from the economic and environmental regeneration of the borough by making Croydon a less accessible and less attractive location in which to develop.

Car and cycle parking in new development

To promote sustainable growth in Croydon and reduce the impact of car parking new development must: a. Reduce the impact of car parking in any development located in areas of good public transport accessibility or areas of existing on-street parking stress; b. Ensure that the movement of pedestrians, cycles, public transport and emergency services is not impeded by the provision of car parking; c. Ensure that highway safety is not compromised by the provision of car parking including off street parking where it requires a new dropped kerb on the strategic road network and other key roads identified on the Policies Map; d. If the development would result in the loss of existing car parking spaces, demonstrate that there is no need for these car parking spaces by reference to occupancy rates at peak times; e. Provide car and cycle parking spaces as set out in Table 10.1; f. Ensure that cycle parking is designed so that it is secure and can also be used for parking for mobility scooters and motor cycles; and g. Provide car parking for affordable homes at an average rate not less than 2/3 that of other tenures.

Facilitating rail and tram improvements

Development will not be supported where it might prejudice the implementation of: a. Station improvement schemes or other proposals to upgrade train services along the Brighton Main Line corridor; or b. Infrastructure extensions or other operational improvements to increase capacity of the Tramlink network.

Transport and Communication

SP8.1 In order to deliver a transport and communications network capable of supporting growth over the plan period the Council will apply a presumption in favour of development for new transport schemes which meet the requirements of Policy SP8 and other applicable policies of the development plan. SP8.2 The Council and its partners will enhance the borough's sub-regional transport role to support its position as a major business, hotel and conferencing destination serving London's airports and the Coast to Capital economic area (see Policy SP3.8). SP8.3 The Council will actively manage the pattern of urban growth and the use of land to make the fullest use of public transport and co-locate facilities in order to reduce the need to travel. SP8.4 Major development proposals will be required to be supported by transport assessments, travel plans, construction logistics plans and delivery/servicing plans. SP8.5 The Council will support improvement in the borough's Wi-Fi, fibre optic broadband and mobile broadband in order to reduce the need to travel, encourage higher levels of home working, assist independent living, support inward investment and improve the economic competitiveness of Croydon Opportunity Area and the borough's District Centres. SP8.6 The Council and its partners will improve conditions for walking and enhance the pedestrian experience by: a. Ensuring ''access for all'' principles are adhered to; b. Increasing permeability, connectivity and legibility of redeveloped sites; c. Improving crossings, in particular within Croydon Opportunity Area, District Centres and around schools; d. Enhancing footpaths, strategic walking routes and links through green spaces to ensure a coherent pedestrian network; e. Creating pedestrian streets from underused side streets and delivery lanes off main streets in Croydon Opportunity Area and the District Centres; f. Improving way finding in the Croydon Opportunity Area, District Centres and on cycle routes (including the implementation of the 'Legible London' scheme); g. De-cluttering the streetscape and avoiding unnecessary footway interruptions in new schemes and existing public realm; h. Enabling the widening of footways where feasible on overcrowded routes; and i. Promoting the identification and implementation of accessible, safe, visible and convenient direct cycle and walking routes to Croydon Opportunity Area, the borough's District Centres, transport interchanges, schools and community facilities through detailed policies within the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals. SP8.7 The Council, its partners and developers will provide new and improved cycle infrastructure by: a. Enhancing and expanding the cycle network to deliver a more coherent network; b. The creation of new cycle routes through development sites improving permeability and connectivity; c. Promoting the creation of segregated and priority cycle lanes; d. Providing clear cycle advance stop lines and other markings at junctions; e. Ensuring new development and improvements to public transport interchanges include adequate provision for cyclists that meet, or exceed, minimum security/design standards; f. Enabling the establishment of cycle hubs at East and West Croydon Station, safeguarding land where necessary; g. Improving cycle facilities at the borough's schools, colleges, District Centres and railway stations; and h. Requiring the provision of cycle parking in new developments and at key transport hub stations to encourage multi-modal journeys and reduce the need for car use. SP8.8 The Council and its partners will prioritise tram infrastructure provision and network improvements that: a. Provide extra capacity to the existing network which serves Croydon Opportunity Area and eases overcrowding on the central sections of the network; b. Relieve congestion in the tram network overall; c. Increase track capacity at pinch points to speed up journey times; d. Support the Mayor's and Transport for London's intentions for extension and investment generally in the tram system; and e. Subject to funding, promote extensions to Streatham, Brixton, Tooting, Bromley, South Wimbledon, Sutton, and Crystal Palace. SP8.9 The Council and its partners will encourage rail infrastructure provision and network improvements that: a. Provide additional track capacity at East Croydon station, and in the area north thereof, to increase train services and improve performance on the Brighton Main Line railway; b. Enable improved interchange facilities, pedestrian links and increased capacity at the Strategic Interchanges at East and West Croydon railway stations; c. Enable access and movement improvements in areas next to rail stations to encourage greater use of the train services; d. Facilitate 'Metroisation' of South London's rail services; and e. Make stations accessible to wheelchair users. SP8.10 The Council and its partners will encourage bus infrastructure provision and network improvements that: a. Seek to ease the pressure on West Croydon Bus Station by providing new bus stopping/standing; b. Seek improvements to orbital bus routes by resolving problems along key bus corridors leading to the Croydon Opportunity Area; c. Improve bus interchange in the Croydon Opportunity Area at peak times including improvements to bus stops and stands; and d. Improve bus journey times and reliability. SP8.11 Land used for public transport and land required to facilitate future transport operations will be safeguarded unless alternative facilities are provided to enable existing transport operations to be maintained. Land and route alignments to implement transport proposals that have a reasonable prospect of delivery will be incorporated into development proposals. SP8.12 The Council and its partners will enable the delivery of electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the borough to improve air quality and decarbonise private transportation over the plan period. SP8.13 New development will be required to contribute to the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, car clubs and car sharing schemes. SP8.14 The Council will work with developers and all relevant partners to ensure enough space is provided in the Croydon Opportunity Area and District Centres for taxi ranks/waiting and coach parking, as well as seeking to improve interchanges at East and West Croydon for these modes. SP8.15 The Council will encourage car free development in Centres, where there are high levels of PTAL and when a critical mass of development enables viable alternatives, such as car clubs (while still providing for disabled people). SP8.16 The Council and its partners will seek to limit parking spaces in the borough and aim to reduce the overall amount of surplus car parking spaces in the Croydon Opportunity Area in accordance with the Croydon Opportunity Area Planning Framework parking strategy. SP8.17 Outside high PTAL areas the Council will apply the standards as set out in the London Plan. In District Centres where there are identified issues of vitality and viability, the need to regenerate such Centres may require a more flexible approach to the provision of public car parking. Parking standards for the boroughs District Centres will be assessed based upon the following considerations: a. The need for regeneration; b. Adverse impact on congestion or air quality; c. A lack (now and in future), of public transport; d. A lack of existing on or off street parking; e. A commitment to provide space for electric and car club vehicles, and parking for disabled people above the minimum thresholds; and f. A requirement, via Travel Plans, to reduce provision over time. SP8.18 The Council and its partners will seek to improve the efficiency with which people and goods are moved and reduce the impacts associated with that movement by: a. Addressing pressure points in the street network, including strategic road junctions, by improving conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport and maintaining the efficient movement of freight; and b. Ensuring travel plans for new and existing facilities, address issues with local congestion and promote sustainable travel choices. SP8.19 The Council and its partners will promote efficient and sustainable arrangements for the transportation and delivery of freight by: a. Safeguarding existing sites and identifying new sites to enable the transfer of freight to rail; b. Safeguarding existing and supporting the provision of new consolidation and 'break bulk' facilities through policy to be contained within the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals; and c. Requiring major developments to include transport emission reduction plans to encourage the use of less polluting forms of transport.

Efficient and clean movement of freight

The Council and its partners will promote efficient and sustainable arrangements for the transportation and delivery of freight by: a. Safeguarding existing sites and identifying new sites to enable the transfer of freight to rail; b. Safeguarding existing and supporting the provision of new consolidation and 'break bulk' facilities through policy to be contained within the Croydon Local Plan's Detailed Policies and Proposals; and c. Requiring major developments to include transport emission reduction plans to encourage the use of less polluting forms of transport.