The centre of Croydon could become a sea of skyscrapers with an extra 10,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

It is the equivalent of 20 new skyscrapers and an extra 25,000 people in the centre of the borough.

Croydon Council’s core strategy shaping the borough’s future in the next 20 years originally planned to have the extra housing spread out along the A23.

However, Councillor Jason Perry, cabinet member for planning, said the A23 proposal has been amended to focus more homes in the centre of the borough.

MP for Croydon Central Andrew Pelling has criticised the plan saying the figure is “off the scale” and is demanding to know why the centre of the borough has to bear the majority of the burden for new houses.

He said: “This is a huge betrayal of us in Croydon Central by the local Conservatives. 10,000 new homes is the equivalent of a total of 22 52-storey Menta-style skyscraper tower blocks that Councillor Barwell and local Conservatives pretended to oppose for short term political gain.

“Now we know what we are going to get in central Croydon after the election – not Manhattan but a new Elephant & Castle.

“The people I represent are going to pay a big price for this housing dumping.”

In a written reply, Coun Perry said the new plans would transform the centre of the borough with 10,000 new homes for families and 4,000 new jobs.

He said: “The remainder of the borough would be protected from significant new development other than that which evidently enhances the character of the local area.”

He added there would still be some development along the A23 corridor, but not as much as previously projected.

Councillor Dudley Mead, cabinet member for housing, said the plans were still being consulted on but thought planners would favour the dispersed approach.

He said: “I don’t think you can get 10,000 houses in the town centre. I think there is much more scope for building along the A23 corridor.”

Tony Newman, leader of the Labour group said: “People are not in favour of Croydon Council concreting over the north and centre of Croydon and the council’s failure to properly plan transport links and extra school places that are needed alongside the development.

“What people need to see is a core housing plan spread equally across the borough.”