The planning committee's decision to unanimously approve Westfield and Hammerson's £1bn redevelopment plans for the town centre was hailed a "once in a generation opportunity for Croydon."

But Minerva, the landlord for the Allders building, have slammed the decision after raising late objections to the plans at yesterday's meeting.

William Hicks QC represented the company at the Strategic Planning Committee where he told the committee they should delay their decision.

"More time will lead to better development, criticisms to be addressed and reduce the risk of legal challenge," he said.

In a statement released following the approval, a spokesperson for Minerva said the decision had been "made hurriedly" by the Strategic Planning Committee.

The spokesman said: "[Yesterday's] decision shows a clear disregard for the interests and concerns of local stakeholders in Croydon.

"This decision has been made hurriedly, with the Council failing to adequately address significant objections and concerns in their report to the Strategic Planning Committee.

"It is in the interests of Croydon that a comprehensive and sustainable solution to regenerate the whole of the town centre is found, but this decision fails to achieve this and risks constraining any future growth and investment plans.

"The delivery of the development also remains inherently uncertain as Westfield and Hammerson do not own the whole application site and have not engaged in any constructive dialogue with the landowners."

The council also received a letter of representation from Eagle Croydon Centre - the landlords of Allders and Whitgift car parks - but the panel rejected their claim there had not been a full and proper consultation.

 

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