Planning Permission Refused for flats replacing family home 270 Selsdon rd
28/10/2019 16:58:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

We have seen so many family houses lost to blocks of flats that it was a surprise to hear from Croydon Council that it had been refused planning permission. It was a particularly awful application and along with hundreds of residents I objected as ward councillor. The reasons for refusal were strong and included damage to the character of the area and damage to the amenities of neighbours. Unfortunately in time I have no doubt another planning application will come forward here.

South Croydon Recreation Ground Not “Special Enough” for Local Green Space Designation
28/10/2019 16:37:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

A very disappointing decision has been taken by Croydon’s Labour Council deciding that South Croydon Recreation Ground is not special enough for Local Green Space Designation. Despite evidence given by residents and South Croydon ward councillors of its importance to so many residents in this very built up area the Council decided it was not of particular significance to the local community. This has been demonstrated to be untrue with the packed public meeting organised by the South Croydon Councillors explaining the works by Network Rail rebuilding Sanderstead Rd Bridge in the park. We have worked very hard to support a Friends Group for this park setting up the initial meetings and are pleased it is now set up. We have supported the Friends through our ward budget and look forward to seeing their projects. We believe an active Friends Group is key to the Designation of Local Green Space in this new review of Croydons Local Plan. We will encourage the FSCRG to contribute to the review 

Visit to South Croydon Day Centre for the Retired
17/10/2019 14:52:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

It was a real pleasure this morning to visit the South Croydon Day Centre for the Retired  along with my ward colleague Jason Perry. We heard about the work the volunteers do and met a number of residents. There is a growing demand for these services in South Croydon and we were delighted to discuss how we might support the Centre through our ward budget. As ward councillors we have always tried to support groups that support our local residents or our local environment.

Block of Flats at 270 Selsdon Rd/Carlton Ave Refused by Council
17/10/2019 14:44:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

It has become increasingly rare for Croydon Council to refuse a Planning application for a block of flats replacing a family house. I am pleased that this application has been refused by planning officers under delegated powers. 

Good to see the reasons for refusal were comprehensive and included scale and design that would be harmful to the local area. Sub standard accommodation for future tenants and the loss of a protected tree important for the visual amenity of our area.

The Rail View Selsdon Rd continues to decay
03/09/2019 10:55:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

it is scandalous that the Rail View PH on Selsdon Rd has been permitted to decay by Croydon Council. Protests and concerns raised by ward councillors and local residents have fallen on deaf ears. A disgrace!

Sanderstead Rd bridge replacement, 6 months of disruption ahead
03/09/2019 10:32:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

 I attended a meeting along with my ward colleague Cllr Jason Perry with Network Rail and Officers from Croydon Council. We asked for this meeting to try to clarify what will happen when Network Rail begins work to dismantle the bridge and replace with a new one. We were very concerned that we had not been involved with any arrangements as it became clear that considierable disruptions lie ahead for local residents.

Part of South Croydon Recreation Ground a park currently without local protection under Croydons Local Plan will be closed so Network Rail can assemble the new bridge in the park. A part of the playground will also be lost. We raised our concerns about loss and damage to the wonderful mature trees and were assured by the  council 

that none would be lost. However roads will be closed, traffic diverted and local shops and businesses may well suffer.

Although there will be restitution to the Council we were informed that the monies received will just go into the Council pot and not to improve South Croydon Recreation Ground a park that is crying out for Improvement. We will take this up with the Council as it is manifestly unfair to the local area and residents.

We are seeking clarification on whether the plans to divert traffic up PurleyRd and then along the narrow cobbled road by Parkside Group Doctors Practice into Wyche Rd as described to us are the final plans. It was clear to us that a public meeting should beheld and we have called for one.

Visit to Christian Family Concern South Croydon
01/07/2019 09:54:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

I was delighted to visit this small charity in South Park Hill road last week. I was impressed by the range of work done for families particularly vulnerable children and families. The charity runs a day nursery, housing support for young mums and a counselling service. The dedication of staff and volunteers was clear. 

I was fascinated too to hear the history of the charity and the site. Started 120 years ago when pregnancy outside marriage was socially unacceptable and women suffered shame and they and their children often had extremely difficult lives. People still contact the charity to find information on members of their family who were born or gave birth at Birdhurst Lodge It’s good to see good work continues today and I saw staff preparing accommodation for a young women suffering domestic violence.

Birdhurst Lodge owned the land where Rosamund Close was built and a Childtens Home used to occupy the current site of PDSA another charity that does wonderful work.

Its good to see the charity still retains a large garden where the children at the nursery can play.

Makeover for railway bridge Sussex/ Selsdon roads
26/06/2019 08:23:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

This suddenly appeared under this dank and often dirty railway bridge. No idea who has done it whether it is Network Rail or someone else. It has certainly brightened up an area that is not often cleaned under the new arrangements of the Labour Council

Protect your green spaces with no local protection
25/06/2019 09:05:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

i know many of you will remember Croydon Councils Consultation on their Local Plan.

Despite thousands of objections it was adopted by the Labour Administration. One of the consequences for us locally was the removal of Green Belt Designation for Croham Hurst Woods replaced by Metropolitan Open Land.

Very concerning was the omission from the Local Plan of Local Protection for some of our green spaces. The Government Inspector found the Council had provided no evidence for these and Local Green Space Designation was not granted. While some of these spaces are protected by other designations some are more vulnerable to development 

In South Croydon Ward there are three places without that extra layer of protection. These are South Croydon Recreation Ground, Normanton Meadow and St Peters Churchyard 

The Council is now holding Croydon Local Plan Partial Review calling for evidence of community use of these important green spaces. Go to www.croydon.gov.uk and fill in the survey. It is so important we all take part to add extra protection to these green spaces in this era of intensive development. The consultation ends on 22nd July 2019

ASB promise extended to South End
13/06/2019 16:07:00.......Posted by Maria Gatland

Recently my ward colleague Jason Perry and I attended the South Croydon Police Ward Panel. Along with residents we are increasingly receiving reports of street drinking and drug selling in the vicinity of South End. It is a shame as this is a vibrant area of shops, cafes and restaurants. We asked for the Anti Social Behaviour Ward Panel Promise that covers our green spaces like Haling Grove and Croham Hurst Woods be extended to cover the area around South End. We were both very pleased that the Ward Panel agreed to the extension. If you witness any ASB please contact

ASBteam@croydon.gov.uk

Click here to download