Initial plans for a 13-storey block of flats overlooking an Upper Norwood park have been revealed.
Brick by Brick, the Croydon Council-owned developer, is proposing demolishing 48 garages to make way for about 60 new homes in College Green near Westow Park.
These are just initial plans with a full planning application expected to be submitted in March 2020.
There are four separate sites in College Green and on one bordering Westow Park would be a 13-storey block of flats.
The other three sites would be made up of houses between one and three-storeys tall.
There are already two 11-storey blocks of flats in College Green and the proposed building would be in between these two.
But the comments on a Brick by Brick website show that some locals are not happy about the plans – especially the proposed tower block.
One commenter said: “It is a difficult balance, to build new housing and keep green space, but a 13 storey building next to what is a beautiful children’s playground seems unnecessary and disruptive.”
Where new homes could be built in College Green
Others think that the flats could block light to the playground and ruin “uninterrupted views” across the whole of London.
Concerns have also been raised that the extra homes will put pressure on existing infrastructure in the area.
Another comment on the consultation website reads: “I am not keen on any of the new developments. I think it will really change the area and put a massive strain on the local infrastructure.
I feel that the proposals are being presented as a positive thing for the area, but residents are already generally happy and any benefits will be outweighed by the disruption of construction work and the resulting overcrowding of the area.”
Brick by Brick said that at the moment 33 per cent of the garages are let out and the developer is “currently determining how they are used”.
It is expected that some of the new homes would be offered as shared ownership or affordable rent but numbers have not yet been decided.
A second community engagement event is expected to take place in January 2020.
If it is approved it is expected that work would start on site in 2021.
Brick by Brick has published information at collegegreen.commonplace.is
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