Concerns about safety have been raised in response to proposals to turn a dozen garages in Upper Norwood into flats.

On July 12, residents in Arkell Grove were informed about the plans by Croydon Council’s developer Brick by Brick.

And now, the 12 homes in the cul-de-sac received more details through a letter from the developer.

It states that the proposal is to build a three-storey building which would consist of nine two-bed flats.

The letter states: “Many local people and their sons and daughters can’t find decent places to live that are affordable.

“This puts pressure on families and forces people to move away or live in substandard accommodation.”

Now a petition has been started by Sarina McCavana who has lived in the road for five years.

Called ‘Help the Arkell Grove, Upper Norwood residents’ it is addressed to Croydon North MP Steve Reed and has gathered more than 70 signatures.

Mrs McCavana said increased traffic and a lack of parking space would have an ‘overbearing impact’.

The 43-year-old said she would be worried about her six-year-old son and other children in Arkell Grove playing in the road.

“Our main concern is the residents’ safety and also for emergency services to get access to the area,” she said.

“It is about the safety of our children – we are highly concerned about this.”

She added: “In the process of building the homes, how will construction vehicles get access to the site?

“I would invite our councillors and MPs to come and have a look at this site, I want them to see the reality of what is being planned here.”

See the full petition at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/help-the-arkell-grove-upper-norwood-residents Brick by Brick is holding a consultation event on Wednesday (July 25) from 4pm to 8pm at Downsview Methodist Church, in Waddington Way, Upper Norwood.