There was understandably public outcry last month when Council developer Brick by Brick sought to reduce the number of public car parking spaces in the new development at Lion Green Road, from 116 in the consented scheme to just 94.
As local Councillors we met today with officers from the Council’s Planning Department to make the case that Coulsdon Town centre must not be deprived of parking spaces, and all efforts must be made to retain as many car parking spaces as possible at Lion Green Road.
Local businesses rely on decent levels of car parking provision for their livelihoods and residents too say that they would be very disappointed if parking capacity was reduced. The town centre is a place a great many residents rely on for essential uses and many can only access by car due to personal circumstances and topography.
Residents are also concerned that a reduction in the number of public parking spaces has been classified as a non-material amendment (21/01424/NMA) to Planning application 17/06297/FUL. That means that the ability for residents and local councillors to object is severely curtailed.
Planning officers agree the reduction in parking numbers is significant and they do not currently consider the proposal to be a non-material amendment, however.
Planning officers explained that there are two causes for the reduction in parking places sought. Firstly, UK Power Networks, which has an electricity substation next door, has requested access rights over a plot of land that could accommodate several parking spaces. Secondly, a redesign of the car park layout to improve “usability” would lead to parking spaces being lost.
Coulsdon Town Councillors have urged Croydon planners to see more work is done to resolve UK Power Networks’ access rights and maximise parking spaces within the context of usability of the site. We will keep residents and businesses informed as these discussions continue.
