Croydon Council has scrapped the Coulsdon Masterplan in the face of enduring opposition from residents.

The controversial document, which outlined planning guidelines for the town ahead of major housing and retail developments, was ditched this week "following a detailed review of the overall nature of the plan, the methodology used in drafting it and recent case law". 

The decision comes as the council faced being taken to court by residents of neighbouring Chipstead and follows months of meetings in which opponents repeatedly voiced concerns about the masterplan, which was approved by the council in September.

Chief among concerns raised were claims the plans did not account for a likely huge surge in traffic caused by 650 planned flats at the site of the former Cane Hill mental hospital.

A spokesman for the council said: "Croydon Council has made an agreement to set aside the Coulsdon Masterplan.

"This resulted from objections raised by a group of nearby residents. The decision was reached following a detailed review of the overall nature of the plan, the methodology used in drafting it and recent case law.

"Now, in conjunction with the recently validated Cane Hill planning application, there will be a re-evaluation of transport proposals around the site.

"This follows concerns that were raised with the council’s leader and the cabinet member for planning at a series of public meetings with ward members and local people."

Residents' groups had repeatedly criticised the masterplan and the council's perceived intention to force it through despite protests.

Last month, Coulsdon West Residents' Association even threatened to push for the town to be cut free from Croydon Council and returned to Surrey.

But Councillor Jason Perry, Croydon's cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, insisted the masterplan had "already done its job".

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

"It 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.

He added: "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.

"I can reassure people this work has provided us with valuable studies and analyses. We have also had the opportunity to explore and assess a wide range of alternatives in advance of current major planning applications being submitted."

 

 

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