Riddlesdown Residents Association

Weekly List – DRAFT

Weekly List – DRAFT

Weekly List 14/4/25

General News – 27/2/26 – THE RRA AGM

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION will be held on Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 7.30 pm, in St Edmund’s Hall, Mitchley Ave.
Here the annual election of Committee members will take place – new Committee members are always welcome to stand for election. Residents will also be updated on all the happenings within the area over the last year.

Subject to no unforeseen emergencies, two Officers from the Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown Police SNT will attend, to update residents about policing matters within the area.

27 February, 2026|Categories: Events, News|

Transport News – 23/2/26

Riddlesdown Rd – Access Road – to make it perfectly clear, Riddlesdown Rd is NOT closed again from 25 February to 13 March ’26.
The RRA have received a number of enquiries about this work and the sign boards that have been put up. The work is solely on the access road running from No.79 towards the Riddlesdown Ave junction, and it is this access road that will be closed.
The works by the Council’s contractor are to install more road gullies (currently only one gully), soak aways and patch repair the access road.
This work is following pressure from the RRA over the last few years to upgrade the street lighting (done) and improve the drainage on the access road, as properties at the lower end were being flooded out during heavy/torrential rain. All the work is being funded from the Section 106 monies (Planning requirement) paid by the developers on some of the new dwellings built along this access road. We hope this makes it clear.

23 February, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|

Transport News – 18/2/26

Gas Main Works update – Riddlesdown Rd is now fully RE-OPEN from late 17 February ’26 and the diversion route has been taken away. This also includes the section of road going towards Riddlesdown Open Space car park.

The Contractor WCB Utilities advise us they still have to jet wash some sections of the road and there is still an excavation near to 126 Riddlesdown Rd which motorists need to be aware of.

The RRA did raise with WCB about all the damaged grass verges on the unsuitable diversion routes to Riddlesdown Ave, Coombe Wood Hill, Lower Barn Rd and also on Riddlesdown Rd, with two-way traffic trying to pass with parked vehicles, and they are looking to make good these damaged verges in due course.

18 February, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|

6 Cranford Close

Consent Granted (Tree App.) – 6 Cranford Close – 26/00020/TRE – 08 Jan 2026 -T6281 – Beech Tree: Lift to 3 metres. Remove young stem at base. Remove climber ( cut back and spray off). T6284 – Birch Tree: Reduce lateral branches to give building 1 metre clearance. T6309 – Sycamore Tree: One of the two stems need to be felled due to decay, re- pollard other stem by 2 metres. T6324 – Birch Tree: Clear base of epicormic growth, remove climber. (TPO 55, 1987)

6 February, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

109 Brancaster Lane

REFUSED – 109 Brancaster Lane – 25/03764/HSE – 15 Dec 2025 – Alterations, erection of two storey rear extension with a ground-floor side return bay and a single-storey rear extension arranged around a courtyard, alterations to land levels at rear with retaining wall and steps.

6 February, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

Unsafe Trees in Ragged Grove (Riddlesdown Open Space)

Some residents may know that the Ragged Grove Woodland is located behind the houses of the even numbers, in Holmwood Ave and borders onto Riddlesdown Open Space. There are three land owners of this woodland; Croydon Council, a private land owner and the John Whitgift Foundation (JWF).

Access to this woodland is from either Public Footpath 24 (beside 67 Mitchley Hill), and also Public Footpath 50 (0) between 46 & 48 Holmwood Ave. These Public Footpaths do not go through this woodland – they either stop short, or divert away and ‘permissive’ footpaths have been created over the decades through the woodland.

About 18 months ago, JWF fenced off the permissive paths through this woodland in their ownership, to try and stop the public from entering the woodland, because of the danger with ash die back. There is the risk of these trees falling onto the public. However the chest-pale fencing has been broken down, or moved aside, by the public in many places and the notices erected have been ignored.

The RRA are concerned as to what is happening here, with the public ignoring the signs and fencing across the paths, that Phil Thomas from the RRA, and Ward Cllr Lynne Hale recently met on site with the Chief Executive of the JWF, Roisha Hughes.
Roisha Hughes explained the situation to both the RRA and Ward Cllr, that they are currently, on the advice from an arboriculturist report, waiting to see what happens with the trees affected by ash die back. They do have a quote for undertaking some tree works, but are not proceeding with this at the moment due to the high cost, and they also need the necessary authorisations to carry out any tree work, and possibly felling. There is also a large oak tree which has lost some large limbs onto the permissive path, which needs work on it.

The JWF have asked that the public to please stay out of this woodland for the moment and to take the alternative paths/routes. These are from Public Footpath 50 (0) between 46 & 48 Holmwood Ave, to turn left immediately after the gardens and stay left until the open grass area rather than trying to go straight on.

If entering Public Footpath 24 (beside 67 Mitchley Hill) to stay right on the Public Footpath at the end of the garden of No.67 and not to turn left into Ragged Grove. They will be asking the Council soon, if they can put a sign-up on their land behind 67 Mitchley Hill to say the permissive path ahead is closed.

We hope residents/the public, keep clear of this woodland for the moment, for their own safety. The RRA will stay in contact with the JWF and Croydon Council about this.

1 February, 2026|Categories: News, Riddlesdown and its common|

113 Brian Ave

REFUSED – 113 Brian Ave – 25/03152/HSE – 19 Nov 2025 |- Demolition of existing garage and conservatory, alterations, erection of a part single/part two storey front/side extension to include front porch and roof canopy, part single/part two storey rear extension, enlargement of roof to include the raising of the roof and erection of dormer extension on the rear roof slope (adjoining RRA area).

17 January, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

Transport News – 6/1/26

Amended weekend train services for Riddlesdown;
We have received this e-mail below from GTR reminding about the engineering works every weekend in January (and later in the year) on the main London to Brighton rail. According to the National Rail website, this WILL have an impact for Riddlesdown train services (and Sanderstead & Upper Warlingham) as they will be hourly only, going to/from London Bridge on both Saturdays and Sundays.

The London/East Grinstead line will be used for access to London Gatwick and onward to Brighton and the south coast. Please check either the National Rail or Southern Railway websites before travelling on these weekends.

If you are thinking of dropping someone off quickly at London Gatwick, don’t forget the drop-off/pick up fee of £10 has now come into effect. You can use the long stay car park to drop off for free. Check to the London Gatwick website

GTR e-mail (dated 6/1/26)
“Reminder about upcoming weekend closures affecting trains on the Brighton Main Line;
I am getting in touch with a reminder that engineering works will affect trains on the Brighton Main Line, and some associated branches off the route, over the next four weekends.

On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January and Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January, the Brighton Main Line will be closed between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon, as well as its branches between Reigate and Redhill and between Redhill and Tonbridge. In addition, on each of the Sundays of these weekends there will also be no trains between Tattenham Corner or Caterham and Purley.

Replacement buses will be in operation along most of the sections where trains are not running.

Buses will also be running to link Three Bridge or Gatwick Airport to/from East Grinstead from where frequent trains will be running in and out of central London via East Croydon.

A Southern train service will also run between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria using a diversionary route, calling at Clapham Junction only.
Regardless of the route option being used, journeys between central London and Gatwick Airport will take much longer than usual over these three weekends.
The diagram attached with this email provides an overview of service arrangements for the next three weekends.
In addition, on Sunday 1 February and on several dates later in the spring (21/22 March, 3 May), the Brighton Main Line will be closed between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges.

Replacement buses will be running along the closed sections. A diverted train service will also operate between Brighton and London Victoria via Hove, Littlehampton and Horsham.

There is more detailed information about these upcoming closures in the briefing below this email.

Customer advice
On all of these dates, journeys will take longer than usual so we are advising customers to plan ahead and allow additional time, especially if heading to the Airport to catch a flight. Journey planners such as national rail are showing the amended service plans for the closures up to late March.
We have created dedicated pages about the works on our Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express websites that provides information for customers on the upcoming closures.

It is also worth noting that this email and our webpages mentioned above refer to weekend closures affecting the trunk Brighton Main Line route. It is very important to remember there may be other closures taking place late at night or early mornings, as well as on other parts of the network, that could also affect journeys. We therefore always recommend checking our planned works calendars on Southern and Thameslink websites for any impacts to journeys and checking before you travel at the national rail website.

Kind regards,
Ben Thomas
Special Projects Communications Manager
Govia Thameslink Railway”

“BRIEFING
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January
All lines closed between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon

No trains will run on any routes between:
• Gatwick Airport and East Croydon / Purley
• Reigate and Redhill
• Redhill and Tonbridge
• Purley and Caterham on Sundays only (trains will run on Saturdays)
• Purley and Tattenham Corner on Sundays only (trains will run on Saturdays)

Replacement buses will run between:
• East Grinstead and Gatwick Airport
• East Grinstead and Three Bridges
• Redhill to Purley
• Gatwick Airport to Redhill
• Redhill and Tonbridge
• Reigate and Redhill
• Horsham and Dorking (on Saturdays only)

For journeys between central London and Gatwick Airport, customers should use the diverted Southern train service that will run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport calling only at Clapham Junction.
Alternatively, customers travelling between central London and the Airport can use trains to East Grinstead and change there for replacement buses to/from Gatwick Airport.

For journeys between Brighton or the Sussex Coast and London, customers should use trains to Three Bridges and change there for replacement buses to/from East Grinstead for onward train connections to/from central London.

Journey times will be extended, so customers will need to allow plenty of additional time, especially if travelling to the airport to catch a flight.

Journey Planners have been updated to include the amended service plans for these dates.
Sunday 1 February 2026, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, Sunday 3 May

All lines closed between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges
No trains will run between:
• Brighton and Three Bridges
• Hove and Three Bridges
• Lewes and Three Bridges
Replacement buses will run between:
• Brighton and Three Bridges
• Lewes / Cooksbridge / Plumpton and Haywards Heath and Three Bridges

A diverted Southern train service will run between Brighton and London Victoria calling at Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Angmering, Littlehampton, Horsham, Three Bridges, Gatwick Airport, East Croydon and Clapham Junction. If customers are travelling between Brighton and London, they are strongly advised to use this train service rather than the limited replacement bus service.

Journey planners are now showing the service plans for these closures up to late March. They will begin to show details for the closure on Sunday 3 May, from 12 weeks in advance.”
———————————————————-
The RRA queried why only one train an hour is serving Riddlesdown and this is the response we got back from GTR:

“When we need to make revisions to our usual services during major engineering works such as this, it’s always a difficult balancing act in order to try to provide the best overall service for as many customers as possible.

Over the next three weekends we need to significantly increase capacity between East Grinstead and central London. This is necessary to cater for the huge volumes of people who will be travelling via that route, either to or from Gatwick Airport or further afield from places such as Brighton or other coastal or Sussex destinations. The only way we can do this is by increasing the number of trains running to and from East Grinstead, increasing it from the usual two trains per hour up to three per hour.

To make this enhanced service work operationally, two of those trains will be running ‘fast’ and one will call at intermediate stations you mention. We recognise this does unfortunately mean a reduction in frequency at some of the smaller intermediate stops, and we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. However, running some trains fast and running some stopping services helps balance out loadings on trains, freeing-up space on board the trains themselves, with the expectation that many of those customers diverting via East Grinstead to or from destinations further afield will generally opt for (or be directed to) the faster services, thereby freeing up space on the stopping service for you and other users of the smaller intermediate local stations.”

 

6 January, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|Tags: |

22 Rectory Park

APPROVED – 22 Rectory Park – 25/03419/DISC – 29 Oct 2025 – Discharge of Conditions 5 (SuDS) and 7 (Landscaping) of planning permission 23/00940/FUL (Erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings (2 no.) with associated parking and landscaping to the rear of 22 Rectory Park. Access off Rectory park via the approved access drive associated with development at 20 Rectory Park (ref 22/05329/FUL) (amended description)Erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings (2 no.) with associated parking and landscaping to the rear of 22 Rectory Park. Access off Rectory park via the approved access drive associated with development at 20 Rectory Park (ref 22/05329/FUL) (amended description)).

20 December, 2025|Categories: Planning M Z|Tags: |

Weekly List 7/4/25

General News – 27/2/26 – THE RRA AGM

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION will be held on Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 7.30 pm, in St Edmund’s Hall, Mitchley Ave.
Here the annual election of Committee members will take place – new Committee members are always welcome to stand for election. Residents will also be updated on all the happenings within the area over the last year.

Subject to no unforeseen emergencies, two Officers from the Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown Police SNT will attend, to update residents about policing matters within the area.

27 February, 2026|Categories: Events, News|

Transport News – 23/2/26

Riddlesdown Rd – Access Road – to make it perfectly clear, Riddlesdown Rd is NOT closed again from 25 February to 13 March ’26.
The RRA have received a number of enquiries about this work and the sign boards that have been put up. The work is solely on the access road running from No.79 towards the Riddlesdown Ave junction, and it is this access road that will be closed.
The works by the Council’s contractor are to install more road gullies (currently only one gully), soak aways and patch repair the access road.
This work is following pressure from the RRA over the last few years to upgrade the street lighting (done) and improve the drainage on the access road, as properties at the lower end were being flooded out during heavy/torrential rain. All the work is being funded from the Section 106 monies (Planning requirement) paid by the developers on some of the new dwellings built along this access road. We hope this makes it clear.

23 February, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|

Transport News – 18/2/26

Gas Main Works update – Riddlesdown Rd is now fully RE-OPEN from late 17 February ’26 and the diversion route has been taken away. This also includes the section of road going towards Riddlesdown Open Space car park.

The Contractor WCB Utilities advise us they still have to jet wash some sections of the road and there is still an excavation near to 126 Riddlesdown Rd which motorists need to be aware of.

The RRA did raise with WCB about all the damaged grass verges on the unsuitable diversion routes to Riddlesdown Ave, Coombe Wood Hill, Lower Barn Rd and also on Riddlesdown Rd, with two-way traffic trying to pass with parked vehicles, and they are looking to make good these damaged verges in due course.

18 February, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|

6 Cranford Close

Consent Granted (Tree App.) – 6 Cranford Close – 26/00020/TRE – 08 Jan 2026 -T6281 – Beech Tree: Lift to 3 metres. Remove young stem at base. Remove climber ( cut back and spray off). T6284 – Birch Tree: Reduce lateral branches to give building 1 metre clearance. T6309 – Sycamore Tree: One of the two stems need to be felled due to decay, re- pollard other stem by 2 metres. T6324 – Birch Tree: Clear base of epicormic growth, remove climber. (TPO 55, 1987)

6 February, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

109 Brancaster Lane

REFUSED – 109 Brancaster Lane – 25/03764/HSE – 15 Dec 2025 – Alterations, erection of two storey rear extension with a ground-floor side return bay and a single-storey rear extension arranged around a courtyard, alterations to land levels at rear with retaining wall and steps.

6 February, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

Unsafe Trees in Ragged Grove (Riddlesdown Open Space)

Some residents may know that the Ragged Grove Woodland is located behind the houses of the even numbers, in Holmwood Ave and borders onto Riddlesdown Open Space. There are three land owners of this woodland; Croydon Council, a private land owner and the John Whitgift Foundation (JWF).

Access to this woodland is from either Public Footpath 24 (beside 67 Mitchley Hill), and also Public Footpath 50 (0) between 46 & 48 Holmwood Ave. These Public Footpaths do not go through this woodland – they either stop short, or divert away and ‘permissive’ footpaths have been created over the decades through the woodland.

About 18 months ago, JWF fenced off the permissive paths through this woodland in their ownership, to try and stop the public from entering the woodland, because of the danger with ash die back. There is the risk of these trees falling onto the public. However the chest-pale fencing has been broken down, or moved aside, by the public in many places and the notices erected have been ignored.

The RRA are concerned as to what is happening here, with the public ignoring the signs and fencing across the paths, that Phil Thomas from the RRA, and Ward Cllr Lynne Hale recently met on site with the Chief Executive of the JWF, Roisha Hughes.
Roisha Hughes explained the situation to both the RRA and Ward Cllr, that they are currently, on the advice from an arboriculturist report, waiting to see what happens with the trees affected by ash die back. They do have a quote for undertaking some tree works, but are not proceeding with this at the moment due to the high cost, and they also need the necessary authorisations to carry out any tree work, and possibly felling. There is also a large oak tree which has lost some large limbs onto the permissive path, which needs work on it.

The JWF have asked that the public to please stay out of this woodland for the moment and to take the alternative paths/routes. These are from Public Footpath 50 (0) between 46 & 48 Holmwood Ave, to turn left immediately after the gardens and stay left until the open grass area rather than trying to go straight on.

If entering Public Footpath 24 (beside 67 Mitchley Hill) to stay right on the Public Footpath at the end of the garden of No.67 and not to turn left into Ragged Grove. They will be asking the Council soon, if they can put a sign-up on their land behind 67 Mitchley Hill to say the permissive path ahead is closed.

We hope residents/the public, keep clear of this woodland for the moment, for their own safety. The RRA will stay in contact with the JWF and Croydon Council about this.

1 February, 2026|Categories: News, Riddlesdown and its common|

113 Brian Ave

REFUSED – 113 Brian Ave – 25/03152/HSE – 19 Nov 2025 |- Demolition of existing garage and conservatory, alterations, erection of a part single/part two storey front/side extension to include front porch and roof canopy, part single/part two storey rear extension, enlargement of roof to include the raising of the roof and erection of dormer extension on the rear roof slope (adjoining RRA area).

17 January, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

Transport News – 6/1/26

Amended weekend train services for Riddlesdown;
We have received this e-mail below from GTR reminding about the engineering works every weekend in January (and later in the year) on the main London to Brighton rail. According to the National Rail website, this WILL have an impact for Riddlesdown train services (and Sanderstead & Upper Warlingham) as they will be hourly only, going to/from London Bridge on both Saturdays and Sundays.

The London/East Grinstead line will be used for access to London Gatwick and onward to Brighton and the south coast. Please check either the National Rail or Southern Railway websites before travelling on these weekends.

If you are thinking of dropping someone off quickly at London Gatwick, don’t forget the drop-off/pick up fee of £10 has now come into effect. You can use the long stay car park to drop off for free. Check to the London Gatwick website

GTR e-mail (dated 6/1/26)
“Reminder about upcoming weekend closures affecting trains on the Brighton Main Line;
I am getting in touch with a reminder that engineering works will affect trains on the Brighton Main Line, and some associated branches off the route, over the next four weekends.

On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January and Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January, the Brighton Main Line will be closed between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon, as well as its branches between Reigate and Redhill and between Redhill and Tonbridge. In addition, on each of the Sundays of these weekends there will also be no trains between Tattenham Corner or Caterham and Purley.

Replacement buses will be in operation along most of the sections where trains are not running.

Buses will also be running to link Three Bridge or Gatwick Airport to/from East Grinstead from where frequent trains will be running in and out of central London via East Croydon.

A Southern train service will also run between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria using a diversionary route, calling at Clapham Junction only.
Regardless of the route option being used, journeys between central London and Gatwick Airport will take much longer than usual over these three weekends.
The diagram attached with this email provides an overview of service arrangements for the next three weekends.
In addition, on Sunday 1 February and on several dates later in the spring (21/22 March, 3 May), the Brighton Main Line will be closed between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges.

Replacement buses will be running along the closed sections. A diverted train service will also operate between Brighton and London Victoria via Hove, Littlehampton and Horsham.

There is more detailed information about these upcoming closures in the briefing below this email.

Customer advice
On all of these dates, journeys will take longer than usual so we are advising customers to plan ahead and allow additional time, especially if heading to the Airport to catch a flight. Journey planners such as national rail are showing the amended service plans for the closures up to late March.
We have created dedicated pages about the works on our Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express websites that provides information for customers on the upcoming closures.

It is also worth noting that this email and our webpages mentioned above refer to weekend closures affecting the trunk Brighton Main Line route. It is very important to remember there may be other closures taking place late at night or early mornings, as well as on other parts of the network, that could also affect journeys. We therefore always recommend checking our planned works calendars on Southern and Thameslink websites for any impacts to journeys and checking before you travel at the national rail website.

Kind regards,
Ben Thomas
Special Projects Communications Manager
Govia Thameslink Railway”

“BRIEFING
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January
All lines closed between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon

No trains will run on any routes between:
• Gatwick Airport and East Croydon / Purley
• Reigate and Redhill
• Redhill and Tonbridge
• Purley and Caterham on Sundays only (trains will run on Saturdays)
• Purley and Tattenham Corner on Sundays only (trains will run on Saturdays)

Replacement buses will run between:
• East Grinstead and Gatwick Airport
• East Grinstead and Three Bridges
• Redhill to Purley
• Gatwick Airport to Redhill
• Redhill and Tonbridge
• Reigate and Redhill
• Horsham and Dorking (on Saturdays only)

For journeys between central London and Gatwick Airport, customers should use the diverted Southern train service that will run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport calling only at Clapham Junction.
Alternatively, customers travelling between central London and the Airport can use trains to East Grinstead and change there for replacement buses to/from Gatwick Airport.

For journeys between Brighton or the Sussex Coast and London, customers should use trains to Three Bridges and change there for replacement buses to/from East Grinstead for onward train connections to/from central London.

Journey times will be extended, so customers will need to allow plenty of additional time, especially if travelling to the airport to catch a flight.

Journey Planners have been updated to include the amended service plans for these dates.
Sunday 1 February 2026, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, Sunday 3 May

All lines closed between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges
No trains will run between:
• Brighton and Three Bridges
• Hove and Three Bridges
• Lewes and Three Bridges
Replacement buses will run between:
• Brighton and Three Bridges
• Lewes / Cooksbridge / Plumpton and Haywards Heath and Three Bridges

A diverted Southern train service will run between Brighton and London Victoria calling at Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Angmering, Littlehampton, Horsham, Three Bridges, Gatwick Airport, East Croydon and Clapham Junction. If customers are travelling between Brighton and London, they are strongly advised to use this train service rather than the limited replacement bus service.

Journey planners are now showing the service plans for these closures up to late March. They will begin to show details for the closure on Sunday 3 May, from 12 weeks in advance.”
———————————————————-
The RRA queried why only one train an hour is serving Riddlesdown and this is the response we got back from GTR:

“When we need to make revisions to our usual services during major engineering works such as this, it’s always a difficult balancing act in order to try to provide the best overall service for as many customers as possible.

Over the next three weekends we need to significantly increase capacity between East Grinstead and central London. This is necessary to cater for the huge volumes of people who will be travelling via that route, either to or from Gatwick Airport or further afield from places such as Brighton or other coastal or Sussex destinations. The only way we can do this is by increasing the number of trains running to and from East Grinstead, increasing it from the usual two trains per hour up to three per hour.

To make this enhanced service work operationally, two of those trains will be running ‘fast’ and one will call at intermediate stations you mention. We recognise this does unfortunately mean a reduction in frequency at some of the smaller intermediate stops, and we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. However, running some trains fast and running some stopping services helps balance out loadings on trains, freeing-up space on board the trains themselves, with the expectation that many of those customers diverting via East Grinstead to or from destinations further afield will generally opt for (or be directed to) the faster services, thereby freeing up space on the stopping service for you and other users of the smaller intermediate local stations.”

 

6 January, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|Tags: |

22 Rectory Park

APPROVED – 22 Rectory Park – 25/03419/DISC – 29 Oct 2025 – Discharge of Conditions 5 (SuDS) and 7 (Landscaping) of planning permission 23/00940/FUL (Erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings (2 no.) with associated parking and landscaping to the rear of 22 Rectory Park. Access off Rectory park via the approved access drive associated with development at 20 Rectory Park (ref 22/05329/FUL) (amended description)Erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings (2 no.) with associated parking and landscaping to the rear of 22 Rectory Park. Access off Rectory park via the approved access drive associated with development at 20 Rectory Park (ref 22/05329/FUL) (amended description)).

20 December, 2025|Categories: Planning M Z|Tags: |

Weekly List 31/3/25

General News – 27/2/26 – THE RRA AGM

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION will be held on Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 7.30 pm, in St Edmund’s Hall, Mitchley Ave.
Here the annual election of Committee members will take place – new Committee members are always welcome to stand for election. Residents will also be updated on all the happenings within the area over the last year.

Subject to no unforeseen emergencies, two Officers from the Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown Police SNT will attend, to update residents about policing matters within the area.

27 February, 2026|Categories: Events, News|

Transport News – 23/2/26

Riddlesdown Rd – Access Road – to make it perfectly clear, Riddlesdown Rd is NOT closed again from 25 February to 13 March ’26.
The RRA have received a number of enquiries about this work and the sign boards that have been put up. The work is solely on the access road running from No.79 towards the Riddlesdown Ave junction, and it is this access road that will be closed.
The works by the Council’s contractor are to install more road gullies (currently only one gully), soak aways and patch repair the access road.
This work is following pressure from the RRA over the last few years to upgrade the street lighting (done) and improve the drainage on the access road, as properties at the lower end were being flooded out during heavy/torrential rain. All the work is being funded from the Section 106 monies (Planning requirement) paid by the developers on some of the new dwellings built along this access road. We hope this makes it clear.

23 February, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|

Transport News – 18/2/26

Gas Main Works update – Riddlesdown Rd is now fully RE-OPEN from late 17 February ’26 and the diversion route has been taken away. This also includes the section of road going towards Riddlesdown Open Space car park.

The Contractor WCB Utilities advise us they still have to jet wash some sections of the road and there is still an excavation near to 126 Riddlesdown Rd which motorists need to be aware of.

The RRA did raise with WCB about all the damaged grass verges on the unsuitable diversion routes to Riddlesdown Ave, Coombe Wood Hill, Lower Barn Rd and also on Riddlesdown Rd, with two-way traffic trying to pass with parked vehicles, and they are looking to make good these damaged verges in due course.

18 February, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|

6 Cranford Close

Consent Granted (Tree App.) – 6 Cranford Close – 26/00020/TRE – 08 Jan 2026 -T6281 – Beech Tree: Lift to 3 metres. Remove young stem at base. Remove climber ( cut back and spray off). T6284 – Birch Tree: Reduce lateral branches to give building 1 metre clearance. T6309 – Sycamore Tree: One of the two stems need to be felled due to decay, re- pollard other stem by 2 metres. T6324 – Birch Tree: Clear base of epicormic growth, remove climber. (TPO 55, 1987)

6 February, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

109 Brancaster Lane

REFUSED – 109 Brancaster Lane – 25/03764/HSE – 15 Dec 2025 – Alterations, erection of two storey rear extension with a ground-floor side return bay and a single-storey rear extension arranged around a courtyard, alterations to land levels at rear with retaining wall and steps.

6 February, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

Unsafe Trees in Ragged Grove (Riddlesdown Open Space)

Some residents may know that the Ragged Grove Woodland is located behind the houses of the even numbers, in Holmwood Ave and borders onto Riddlesdown Open Space. There are three land owners of this woodland; Croydon Council, a private land owner and the John Whitgift Foundation (JWF).

Access to this woodland is from either Public Footpath 24 (beside 67 Mitchley Hill), and also Public Footpath 50 (0) between 46 & 48 Holmwood Ave. These Public Footpaths do not go through this woodland – they either stop short, or divert away and ‘permissive’ footpaths have been created over the decades through the woodland.

About 18 months ago, JWF fenced off the permissive paths through this woodland in their ownership, to try and stop the public from entering the woodland, because of the danger with ash die back. There is the risk of these trees falling onto the public. However the chest-pale fencing has been broken down, or moved aside, by the public in many places and the notices erected have been ignored.

The RRA are concerned as to what is happening here, with the public ignoring the signs and fencing across the paths, that Phil Thomas from the RRA, and Ward Cllr Lynne Hale recently met on site with the Chief Executive of the JWF, Roisha Hughes.
Roisha Hughes explained the situation to both the RRA and Ward Cllr, that they are currently, on the advice from an arboriculturist report, waiting to see what happens with the trees affected by ash die back. They do have a quote for undertaking some tree works, but are not proceeding with this at the moment due to the high cost, and they also need the necessary authorisations to carry out any tree work, and possibly felling. There is also a large oak tree which has lost some large limbs onto the permissive path, which needs work on it.

The JWF have asked that the public to please stay out of this woodland for the moment and to take the alternative paths/routes. These are from Public Footpath 50 (0) between 46 & 48 Holmwood Ave, to turn left immediately after the gardens and stay left until the open grass area rather than trying to go straight on.

If entering Public Footpath 24 (beside 67 Mitchley Hill) to stay right on the Public Footpath at the end of the garden of No.67 and not to turn left into Ragged Grove. They will be asking the Council soon, if they can put a sign-up on their land behind 67 Mitchley Hill to say the permissive path ahead is closed.

We hope residents/the public, keep clear of this woodland for the moment, for their own safety. The RRA will stay in contact with the JWF and Croydon Council about this.

1 February, 2026|Categories: News, Riddlesdown and its common|

113 Brian Ave

REFUSED – 113 Brian Ave – 25/03152/HSE – 19 Nov 2025 |- Demolition of existing garage and conservatory, alterations, erection of a part single/part two storey front/side extension to include front porch and roof canopy, part single/part two storey rear extension, enlargement of roof to include the raising of the roof and erection of dormer extension on the rear roof slope (adjoining RRA area).

17 January, 2026|Categories: Planning A L|Tags: |

Transport News – 6/1/26

Amended weekend train services for Riddlesdown;
We have received this e-mail below from GTR reminding about the engineering works every weekend in January (and later in the year) on the main London to Brighton rail. According to the National Rail website, this WILL have an impact for Riddlesdown train services (and Sanderstead & Upper Warlingham) as they will be hourly only, going to/from London Bridge on both Saturdays and Sundays.

The London/East Grinstead line will be used for access to London Gatwick and onward to Brighton and the south coast. Please check either the National Rail or Southern Railway websites before travelling on these weekends.

If you are thinking of dropping someone off quickly at London Gatwick, don’t forget the drop-off/pick up fee of £10 has now come into effect. You can use the long stay car park to drop off for free. Check to the London Gatwick website

GTR e-mail (dated 6/1/26)
“Reminder about upcoming weekend closures affecting trains on the Brighton Main Line;
I am getting in touch with a reminder that engineering works will affect trains on the Brighton Main Line, and some associated branches off the route, over the next four weekends.

On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January and Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January, the Brighton Main Line will be closed between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon, as well as its branches between Reigate and Redhill and between Redhill and Tonbridge. In addition, on each of the Sundays of these weekends there will also be no trains between Tattenham Corner or Caterham and Purley.

Replacement buses will be in operation along most of the sections where trains are not running.

Buses will also be running to link Three Bridge or Gatwick Airport to/from East Grinstead from where frequent trains will be running in and out of central London via East Croydon.

A Southern train service will also run between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria using a diversionary route, calling at Clapham Junction only.
Regardless of the route option being used, journeys between central London and Gatwick Airport will take much longer than usual over these three weekends.
The diagram attached with this email provides an overview of service arrangements for the next three weekends.
In addition, on Sunday 1 February and on several dates later in the spring (21/22 March, 3 May), the Brighton Main Line will be closed between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges.

Replacement buses will be running along the closed sections. A diverted train service will also operate between Brighton and London Victoria via Hove, Littlehampton and Horsham.

There is more detailed information about these upcoming closures in the briefing below this email.

Customer advice
On all of these dates, journeys will take longer than usual so we are advising customers to plan ahead and allow additional time, especially if heading to the Airport to catch a flight. Journey planners such as national rail are showing the amended service plans for the closures up to late March.
We have created dedicated pages about the works on our Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express websites that provides information for customers on the upcoming closures.

It is also worth noting that this email and our webpages mentioned above refer to weekend closures affecting the trunk Brighton Main Line route. It is very important to remember there may be other closures taking place late at night or early mornings, as well as on other parts of the network, that could also affect journeys. We therefore always recommend checking our planned works calendars on Southern and Thameslink websites for any impacts to journeys and checking before you travel at the national rail website.

Kind regards,
Ben Thomas
Special Projects Communications Manager
Govia Thameslink Railway”

“BRIEFING
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January
All lines closed between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon

No trains will run on any routes between:
• Gatwick Airport and East Croydon / Purley
• Reigate and Redhill
• Redhill and Tonbridge
• Purley and Caterham on Sundays only (trains will run on Saturdays)
• Purley and Tattenham Corner on Sundays only (trains will run on Saturdays)

Replacement buses will run between:
• East Grinstead and Gatwick Airport
• East Grinstead and Three Bridges
• Redhill to Purley
• Gatwick Airport to Redhill
• Redhill and Tonbridge
• Reigate and Redhill
• Horsham and Dorking (on Saturdays only)

For journeys between central London and Gatwick Airport, customers should use the diverted Southern train service that will run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport calling only at Clapham Junction.
Alternatively, customers travelling between central London and the Airport can use trains to East Grinstead and change there for replacement buses to/from Gatwick Airport.

For journeys between Brighton or the Sussex Coast and London, customers should use trains to Three Bridges and change there for replacement buses to/from East Grinstead for onward train connections to/from central London.

Journey times will be extended, so customers will need to allow plenty of additional time, especially if travelling to the airport to catch a flight.

Journey Planners have been updated to include the amended service plans for these dates.
Sunday 1 February 2026, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, Sunday 3 May

All lines closed between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges
No trains will run between:
• Brighton and Three Bridges
• Hove and Three Bridges
• Lewes and Three Bridges
Replacement buses will run between:
• Brighton and Three Bridges
• Lewes / Cooksbridge / Plumpton and Haywards Heath and Three Bridges

A diverted Southern train service will run between Brighton and London Victoria calling at Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Angmering, Littlehampton, Horsham, Three Bridges, Gatwick Airport, East Croydon and Clapham Junction. If customers are travelling between Brighton and London, they are strongly advised to use this train service rather than the limited replacement bus service.

Journey planners are now showing the service plans for these closures up to late March. They will begin to show details for the closure on Sunday 3 May, from 12 weeks in advance.”
———————————————————-
The RRA queried why only one train an hour is serving Riddlesdown and this is the response we got back from GTR:

“When we need to make revisions to our usual services during major engineering works such as this, it’s always a difficult balancing act in order to try to provide the best overall service for as many customers as possible.

Over the next three weekends we need to significantly increase capacity between East Grinstead and central London. This is necessary to cater for the huge volumes of people who will be travelling via that route, either to or from Gatwick Airport or further afield from places such as Brighton or other coastal or Sussex destinations. The only way we can do this is by increasing the number of trains running to and from East Grinstead, increasing it from the usual two trains per hour up to three per hour.

To make this enhanced service work operationally, two of those trains will be running ‘fast’ and one will call at intermediate stations you mention. We recognise this does unfortunately mean a reduction in frequency at some of the smaller intermediate stops, and we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. However, running some trains fast and running some stopping services helps balance out loadings on trains, freeing-up space on board the trains themselves, with the expectation that many of those customers diverting via East Grinstead to or from destinations further afield will generally opt for (or be directed to) the faster services, thereby freeing up space on the stopping service for you and other users of the smaller intermediate local stations.”

 

6 January, 2026|Categories: News, Transport|Tags: |

22 Rectory Park

APPROVED – 22 Rectory Park – 25/03419/DISC – 29 Oct 2025 – Discharge of Conditions 5 (SuDS) and 7 (Landscaping) of planning permission 23/00940/FUL (Erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings (2 no.) with associated parking and landscaping to the rear of 22 Rectory Park. Access off Rectory park via the approved access drive associated with development at 20 Rectory Park (ref 22/05329/FUL) (amended description)Erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings (2 no.) with associated parking and landscaping to the rear of 22 Rectory Park. Access off Rectory park via the approved access drive associated with development at 20 Rectory Park (ref 22/05329/FUL) (amended description)).

20 December, 2025|Categories: Planning M Z|Tags: |

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