Croydon Council's head of housing has slammed the government for its 'shameful' intervention into plans to build a skyscraper in Purley.

Last week James Brokenshire, secretary of state for communities and local government, rejected an application to build a 17-story tower after an inquiry into the development was triggered by home secretary Sajid Javid earlier this year. The council's planning committee had previously approved the plans.

While local campaigners welcomed the decision, Alison Butler, deputy council leader and cabinet member for housing, says the intervention was unjustified and will only deprive the borough of much needed housing.

She said: "It's shameful. I think the decision is very suspect. You have a secretary of state going against the advice of the planning inspector and national policy.

"It really is deeply disappointing, and it's a site that's been blighted for so long.

"I can understand that people are concerned by a changing borough, but it is vital that we build new housing.

"Thousands of children are forced to live in emergency accommodation for extended periods due to the permanent housing shortage.

"I understand people's concerns about change, but it really is needed."

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Alison Butler

Seven local residents' associations led a campaign against the development, arguing that the building was 'out of character' with the surrounding area, mainly due to its height.

The proposed site, owned by Purley Baptist Church, has been derelict for over a decade.

Along with the main tower block, two other buildings of three and eight storeys would have been built, providing 220 new flats.

Responding to the decision, Purley Baptist Church said: "PBC are surprised and deeply disappointed that the Secretary of State has turned down our proposed development.

"We understand that the scheme faced much opposition, principally regarding the height of the tower, but felt that the evidence presented to the enquiry held in January more than justified the proposal. This is borne out by the Inspector's recommendation to approve the scheme.

"We’ll now take time to consider where we go from here."

The developers now have six weeks to appeal the decision, which can be challenged on procedural grounds.