Croydon Council is to recruit a team of industry experts to assess planning applications for major developments.

The Place Review Panel will review the design merits of and provide “locally sensitive, impartial advice” on all large-scale proposals to “achieve highest-quality architecture,” said the authority.

It will comprise of professionals with expertise in planning, landscape design, conservation, culture, urban design, architecture and engineering.

Cllr Alison Butler, cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing together an exciting and high-calibre group of experts to help us continue to change people’s perceptions of Croydon and create a destination of choice.”

Cllr Paul Scott, chair of the planning committee, said: “The council has recently seen the delivery of several new high-quality built environment schemes, and this review panel will take us a step closer to our goal, as well as hopefully speeding up approvals and therefore saving time and expense for developers.”

The council will be opening applications for the panel in June.

Expressions of interest can be lodged until June 16 through a procurement portal.

For more information email Anisha Jogani at anisha.jogani@croydon.gov.uk.