Revised plans for the redevelopment of Croydon Council’s former headquarters will see more affordable housing and greater protection of Queen’s Gardens.

A total of 420 homes, comprising four blocks, will be built on the Taberner House site, with 30 per cent affordable housing – up from 15 per cent under the original proposals, which also included an extra block.

These will be made up of rented, shared ownership and private for sale units.

A key part of the revised scheme is reducing the encroachment of the development on Queen's Gardens, which will increase the amount of open space by more than 1,000 sq m.

Construction on the first phase, of 230 homes, is set to begin in March.

Croydon Council will own the 190 homes in the second phase, keeping 30 per cent as council homes and selling the remainder.

Cabinet member for homes and regeneration Councillor Alison Butler said: “Having ownership of the second phase of development gives the council far greater control over the scheme than under the previous plans.

“We’re pleased that the revised plans will include more affordable housing – a major priority for this administration – and protect Queen's Gardens from overdevelopment.

“We want to ensure that Queen's Gardens is a vibrant green space where families go to spend their free time.”