Critics of controversial major developments in Coulsdon have pledged to maintain their opposition despite the council scrapping its masterplan for the town.

Residents remained wary and some denounced a "smokescreen" after Croydon Council scrapped its Coulsdon Masterplan in the face of legal action.

The council agreed to "set aside" the masterplan, which provides planning framework for the town, after reassessing the document and following calls for a judicial review from residents in neighbouring Chipstead.

Critics of the plan had repeatedly said it failed to properly account of the impact of 650 homes at the former site of Cane Hill hospital, with road congestion, parking and school places among the chief concerns.

Croydon Council said it would now re-evaluate transport proposals at the site but said none of individual plans already submitted had been withdrawn or amended.

Norma Maynard, who launched the Save Coulsdon campaign to call for closer scrutiny of developments, said tearing up the masterplan was "just another smokescreen".

The 46-year-old said: "It is devious to say that they are listening to people. It is good that the masterplan has been rejected because everyone knew it was fault, but planning applications match and mirror the masterplan."

The council is currently assessing responses to public consultations on two of the planned developments, which include shops, housing and leisure facilities in Lion Green Road and at the former Red Lion pub. 

The application for the Cane Hill development, submitted by Barratt Homes, is open to public comment until December 13.

Richard Thurbon, chairman of Coulsdon West Residents' Association, said: "Bear in mind that most people think by objecting to the masterplan, they were objecting to the other applications." 

He added: "We have been left with quite frankly a farce of epic proportions, which by the actions of Croydon Council have left a bitter taste. I understand that the Plan was flawed, but is it going to be replaced?"

The group is considering making a protest march on Croydon Council's headquarters and plans to distribute leaflets and posters to make residents aware individual planning applications for the developments in Coulsdon have not been dropped.

Peter Morgan, member of the East Coulsdon Residents' Association, urged the council to rejected any plans that failed to address residents' concerns.

Councillor Jason Perry, Croydon's cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, said: "Many of the conclusions which were included within the masterplan met with general consent during the consultation stage.

"However we acknowledge that there are some elements which caused significant concern for some individuals and this is what has led to the current situation."

Coun Perry also insisted the two years spent drawing up the Coulsdon Masterplan had not been wasted.

He said: "One of the fundamental purposes of the masterplanning process is to make sure everyone is aware of possible future developments. I

"t also allows residents to voice their opinions and ensures that large building projects work well together with existing neighbourhoods.

"These objectives have clearly been achieved and the masterplan has already done its job through the high level of community involvement which has been generated and the heightened awareness of current major planning applications submitted within the area.

"By looking at these sites in an organised way and making landowners work together we have avoided a situation which might have seen developers not talking to one another and drawing up proposals in isolation."

You can comment on the plans for Cane Hill here.

 

 

TODAY'S TOP CROYDON STORIES