Council and democracy

Help us build better homes in Croydon

Croydon Council has launched a public consultation on new guidance it has drafted to improve the quality and green credentials of new housing and conversions being built locally.

The council wants to see flexible, spacious, eco-friendly homes with more emphasis on green spaces and play areas for children.

Amongst things developers would have to consider if they want to build in the borough will be the quality and size of homes, including minimum room size standards. They would also need to adapt to meet the changing needs of their occupants throughout their lives.

Outside space is a priority and should include gardens, outdoor sitting areas and dedicated children's play areas.

Developers would also need to ensure homes are sustainable and energy efficient by incorporating technologies such as renewable energy, solar water heating, green roofs, sustainable urban drainage systems and water conservation into their designs, and by providing communal recycling and compositing facilities.

The council would like to hear residents' views about the guidance, - the draft housing space standards and requirements supplementary planning document (SPD) - which is aimed at developers and architects concerned with new development in the borough. 

The SPD will be published for consultation on Tuesday 8 July and can be viewed at www.croydon.gov.uk/publicconsultation, by visiting the council's One Stop reception at Taberner House, Park Lane, or at any of the council's libraries. Once it is formally adopted it will be used as a benchmark by the council when considering planning applications.

Cllr Jason Perry, cabinet member for planning, said: "Croydon is growing fast and experiencing rapid changes with a number of new developments and conversions being built to meet the high demand for new homes. The council recognises that there is a need to provide further guidance to ensure that any new housing in the borough is well-designed and sustainable to meet the needs of future occupants.

"Once the guidance has been adopted it will help provide homes that help mitigate and are adaptable to climate change, whilst providing high-quality living for residents."

Residents can comment on the SPD from 8 July 2008 in the following ways:

• online: www.croydon.gov.uk/publicconsultation
• email: idf@croydon.gov.uk
• post: write to FREEPOST RLYG -JCCY-UELK, Planning LDF, Policy and Strategy team, Croydon Council, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1JT
• in person: hand it to the council's One Stop reception at Taberner House.

All comments should reach the council no later than 5pm on Tuesday 18 August 2008.