The council’s house builder Brick by Brick is facing objection to plans to redevelop garages behind an existing block of flats in to affordable homes.

The application – to transform 16 garages, which are in a state of disrepair and green space behind Atlanta Court at 65 Parchmore Road, in to 20 one and two bed flats for council rent – has received 13 objections. 

The four storey building will provide 14 one bed and six two bed flats with 21 car parking spaces, 33 cycle parking and play space for residents of both the proposed and existing blocks.

The original proposals were revised after BxB carried out a series of public consultations including public events in November and January attended by 26 people; with a 89 visiting a dedicated web portal and 18 completing a questionnaire.

Of those that responded 45 per cent were against or unhappy with the proposals, with 40 per cent unsure and 14 per in support. 

Many mentioned the poor condition of the existing estate and the lack of general maintenance. Leaseholders felt that the new proposed development would affect the valuation of their current home as the new development would be ‘better in appearance’. 

Atlanta Court is made up of 32 flats which are a mix of leaseholders brought under right to buy and council tenants with the garages rented out by the council to people outside the area.

Others were more concerned about anti social behaviour, flytipping, overdevelopment, car parking and the location of the amenity space. 

BXB is a private company, with Croydon Council acting as sole shareholder and has faced controversy over the redevelopment of a number of sites identified for use by the council.

The council has a corporate target to ensure that across the borough and across the public and private sectors, 1,900 new homes will be started each year over the next five years. 

BxB has the goal to deliver around 500 high quality new homes on multiple sites per year from 2020 onwards.

Data provided by the council showed that of those on the waiting list for Thornton Heath: 83 wanted 1-bedroom properties, 162 needed 2-bedroom and 41 had opted for 3-bedroom, which said the applicant demonstrated a far greater need for both 1 and 2 bedroomed homes in the area. 

An accompanying planning statement by property consultants Carter Jonas says: “This data is considered relevant as the scheme is proposed to be 100 per cent affordable rent for the council to manage and allocate according to their waiting list adding that the: “.. revised proposal will allow the estate to work more cohesively once development is completed, whilst also minimising disruption during construction. 

“The overall quantum of development has reduced and the revised single block approach will reduce the overall appearance of the proposal responding to overlooking and appearance issues raised by existing residents.” 

Residents also complained about inadequate amenities, including insufficient bin capacity and fly tipping adjacent to the pram sheds, which attracts foxes. 

The applicant adds:“Should the development receive planning permission, Brick By Brick will continue to engage with the relevant teams to assist in addressing these issues …… It is noted that there has been a programme of repairs and improvements to the building over the past few years that have improved some of the conditions on the existing buildings.”