Croydon Design Review Panel
We recommend arranging a Design Review Panel if you are planning a project that creates significant changes in Croydon’s built environment.
How the panel works
The Croydon Design Review Panel (DRP) is an independent, multidisciplinary and expert panel that provides advice on projects relating to all aspects of Croydon’s built environment, including but not limited to the following:
- major or complex development schemes undergoing a pre-application process, for example, schemes that are part of significant regeneration and growth of the borough
- infrastructure and highways schemes
- parks
- street furniture
- public realm and civic spaces
- public art and cultural projects
- area based plans and strategies, for example, masterplans and regeneration plans, design guidance and high street strategies
The panel helps to ensure Croydon’s built environment creates an attractive destination for London and the south east. It supports our commitment to ensure development leaves a legacy of vibrant places and design that will be loved and admired by residents and visitors alike. The panel should be used for both public and privately led projects, including council led projects.
Types of private development applications the panel review
The DRP reviews major, complex, or strategic schemes early in the pre-application process. Follow up and post application reviews may be recommended depending on the complexity and impact of the proposals. The DRP will provide an important quality check and often act as a gateway to the Planning Committee.
The National Planning Policy Framework
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Farrell Review and best practice guidance by professional institutions (for example, RIBA, RTPI, LI, Design Council) advise that local planning authorities should have local design and place reviews. They show that early reviews save costs, reduce negotiation times and enhance the quality of designs and places.
For more information on the how the panel works, you can download or view the:
- Croydon Design Review Panel terms of reference (PDF, 1MB)
- Croydon Design Review Panel guidebook for developers (PDF, 1.4MB)
Making a request for a panel review
If your project has been recommended for review by the DRP or if you would like DRP input on a proposal, please complete and submit the application form.
Before you make a request
Where applicable, you should read the pre-application advice note that details how the DRP fits into the pre-application and planning application process.
Choose the level of service required
You will need to tick the correct box on the application form for the level of service you require. You can also indicate how many reviews you want and their duration.
For private development schemes, case officers will advise the level of service. For other projects and programmes, please contact the Design Review Panel manager for guidance.
From August 2026, the Design Review Panel fees are increasing as shown in the table below:
| Service level required | Fee (plus VAT) |
|---|---|
| Level A: first place review (single session) | £4,800 |
| Level B: follow-up review (single session) | £4,140 |
| Level C: post submission review (single session) | £4,140 |
| Level D: first place review (double session) | £8,500 |
| Level E: follow-up review (double session) | £7,500 |
| Level F: post-submission review (double session) | £7,500 |
A 20% deposit is required upon submission of an application form. The DRP fees are charged separately from and in addition to any pre-application or Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) fees. The balance is due 10 working days before the review.
Cancellations and postponements will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances and must be made at least 2 weeks before the scheduled meeting date. Failure to do this will incur a cost of 50% of the fee.
Complete the form
Download the Croydon Design Review Panel application form (DOCX, 104KB).
Submit your request by email or post
Please send the completed form and additional documents to:
Spatial Planning, Growth Zone and Regeneration Service
Floor 3, Zone C
Bernard Weatherill House
8 Mint Walk
Croydon
CR0 1EA
Alternatively, you can email your completed form and supporting documents to the DRP Manager: