Croydon Council has granted outline planning permission for up to 75 new flats and commercial space at Leaden Hill.
Developers the Oakwood Group plan to build the one, two and three bedroom apartments on a 4,000 square metre site close to Coulsdon Railway Station.
The proposed commercial development of the site, which currently houses a garage and other industrial buildings, has the potential to create around 41 new jobs.
“We are delighted to have received a resolution to grant outline planning permission for this important regeneration site,” said Oakwood Director Matt Arnold.
“We would like to thank everyone who participated through the consultation process over the last fifteen months, particularly the four residents’ associations.”
The council’s deputy cabinet member for planning, Paul Scott, praised the fact that four local residents’ associations had written in support of the Oakwood development. He expressed his strong support for the proposal, adding that it was a right approach to a difficult site.
Charles King, representing all four associations, spoke in favour of the plans at the recent planning meeting – commenting that it would have a positive impact on the high street and will provide the 1 and 2 bedroom accommodation which is greatly needed in the town.
Deputy planning chairman and Bensham Manor Councillor Humayan Kabir, commended Oakwood for addressing all the concerns councillors had raised at a previous meeting and offered his full support for the regeneration of the prominent site.
The motion to grant approval at the planning committee was passed 6 in favour – 3 against.
Mr Arnold commented: “We still have a great deal of work to do to ensure that we can deliver a scheme that everyone can be proud of. Our intention is to start working through the conditions in the coming weeks, with a view to being on site Q2 2017.”
The new development, is situated at the other end of Leaden Hill, after it passes the entrance to the station and crosses the A23/Farthing Way.
Architects MDR and Oakwood have made landscaping of the new site a priority within the development to ensure an attractive environment and create a sense of space for the new residents and commuters arriving at the entrance to Coulsdon town Railway Station.