Held on: 15 April 2025 at 7 pm

At: St. Edmunds Hall

Present were Sanderstead Ward Councillor Lynne Hale, and Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown Ward Councillors Endri Llabuti and Alasdair Stewart. Apologies were received from: Sanderstead Ward Councillors Yvette Hopley and Helen Redfern.

The meeting was opened by Brian Longman, the RRA Chairman.

Minutes of the previous AGM

The Chairman presented the minutes from the last AGM (proposed by Phil Thomas and seconded by John Placek), which were accepted by the meeting:

Action items:

No new items.

Treasurers Report overview

The Treasurer John Placek presented the accounts for 2023/24 – link. He stated that RRA funds have recovered over the last two years (post-COVID); the increase in the subscription to £5 has helped. Some 30% of members are now paying by Bank Transfer, and membership stands at about 40% of Riddlesdown households. The Association has received the sum of £730 from CHASRO (Croham Hurst and Sanderstead Residents Against Overdevelopment) which has closed down.

Expenditure – £2,591.25
Income – £4,913.19                       £2,965.00 from membership subscriptions

Bank account balances
Woodland Account (Ring Fenced for Green Belt) £25,452.12 Current account £21,998.47
The accounts have been audited.

There were no questions on the accounts. After Brian had given an explanation of the background for the Ring Fenced Woodland account for any new attendees, the accounts were proposed for acceptance by John Rapp and agreed by the members.

Chairman’s Report

Brian gave thanks to the committee, which had been very active during the year, especially John Placek, who as well as continuing as Treasurer is also the Data Protection Officer. Thanks were given also to Neil Tarrant, who produces the Recorder and organises the Children’s Christmas Party. John Rapp was thanked for his work on train and bus issues, as well as Membership. Also Berni Munt, for the meeting minutes. Lastly, Phil Thomas, now the Vice Chairman and Planning & Environmental Officer, who does so much for the committee, including covering for the Chairman, and producing the E-Blast, and running the website, which is currently being re-vamped.

Brian advised that the Committee still needed new members. He predicted that there were tough times ahead for Residents’ Associations in the next 3-4 years. Online payment of subscriptions remains low, and more Road Stewards were still needed – John Rapp is servicing 4 or 5 roads himself.

Brian asked what was the purpose of a Residents’ Association, if not to represent the interests of the residents. The Riddlesdown Association does this every day. Are we going in the right directions? The Association ran a seminar and survey 10 years ago – do we need another seminar/survey?

Vice Chairman’s Report

Planning update

Phil Thomas gave an update on the planning applications and decisions in the area since the last AGM. It is quite noticeable the number of applications for new houses and flats has dropped locally – and throughout the Borough. And many, but not all, are being refused either by the Council and/or the Planning Inspectorate.

The application at 31 Copthorne Rise for a detached house and car parking spaces – was granted by the Planning Sub Committee on 22 February 2024 and the S106 agreement completed on 22 July 2024. This was despite local opposition from residents and opposition from the RRA and Cllr Lynne Hale. This new house is in the cul-de sac section of Westfield Ave.

A second application at 79 Riddlesdown Road – for a new part two/three storey building comprising of 5 flats, 5 car parking spaces was refused by the Council Planning Officers on 9 October. However, it has now gone to appeal on 3 April. This site is at the top of the access road on Riddlesdown Rd where many new houses and a couple of flatted developments have been built. The RRA objected and so did Cllr Alasdair Stewart. We believe this is an over-development of the site and we suspect the Planning Inspector will agree. The first application for 6 flats was refused by Planning Officers.

As many residents will be aware, the Doctors surgery at 116 Mitchley Ave closed on 31 March and Dr Woolf has retired from that date. An initial planning application was submitted to convert it to a House in Multiple Occupation, as a 4 bedroom and 7 person unit which both the RRA and Cllr Lynne Hale objected to. This application got withdrawn by the applicant and a subsequent application was submitted for a change of use from a Doctor’s Surgery back to dwelling-house. We made no further comments/objection and this application was granted by Planning Officers on 14 March.

Five applications remain outstanding since 2021, at 98 Hyde Road to regularise the authorised use on this site. The completed building is tenanted with the flats in occupation but without the correct planning approvals. Cllr Lynne Hale and the RRA are still pursuing Planners on this and we are all keen they come to some sort of decision on this – soon.

The application r/o 30 Riddlesdown Ave for the demolition of existing garage fronting Riddlesdown Rd, and a new house had the permission granted by the Planning sub Committee in October 2023 and the Section 106 Agreement was completed in September 2024. This is another house fronting the access road running parallel to the main Riddlesdown Rd. The RRA are trying to get the Council to upgrade the drainage and on this road, as flooding occurs to a nearby property and we are told these works will happen soon. New street lighting has been put in at our request. And we are also told the road will be resurfaced but hopefully after the building works are complete, so it won’t get damaged.

An application at 75a Riddlesdown Rd (the corner of Riddlesdown Ave) was recently refused by Officers to convert the existing house into 4 self contained units with four parking spaces. The RRA did not comment on the application.

An application at 90 Riddlesdown Road for the demolition of existing house and a block of 9 flats plus car parking was refused by Planning Officers in January 2024. This went to appeal and the Planning Inspector dismissed the appeal in January 2025. This site next door to the 21 flats currently being constructed at No. 88.

There have been a few applications for the Vera restaurant at 77 Mitchley Ave – for a variation of the opening hours until 11pm on Friday and Saturdays from 10.30pm. The Council refused the application and it went to appeal. There have been noise complaints to Environmental Health and the Planning Inspector felt in his decision that ‘this would have a significant adverse impact on the quality of life of these nearby occupiers.’ So the appeal was dismissed and closure times for Fridays and Saturdays remain at 10.30pm.

There have been a couple of raised decks placed on the footway in front of the Cafe and Vera and it has been discovered that each of these shops own all the pavement in front of the shops, and it is not adopted highway, although the Council/public should have a prescriptive right of way through the time it has been used. The access road is adopted highway.

Farm fields Mitchley Hill by the White Path – there is a redundant caravan on the horse grazing field which is authorised, but as the field hasn’t been used for horse grazing for a number of years now, the RRA have asked the Planners if the dilapidated caravan is allowed to stay within this Green Belt field. We are waiting a further response from Planning Enforcement on this.

Out of our area but nearby:

The former Milk & More Depot at 823 Brighton Road Purley was granted planning permission on 26 February by Planning Officers, for a new M&S Foodhall together with a Creative and Cultural Enterprise Centre to the rear and a 70 space car park. The RRA and Cllr Alasdair Stewart supported this application.

Planning permission was granted in April 2024 at 26-52 Whytecliffe Road South & Purley Railway Station Car Park for redevelopment of the site for buildings up to 4 to 9 storeys high and to provide 238 residential flats together with replacement station car park – but a smaller one – from 165 spaces to 125 commuter car paces and 17 motorcycle parking spaces. The application is still subject to the completion of a legal Section 106 agreement. The site is opposite the Purley multi storey car park and former Purley Leisure Centre.

The Purley Leisure Centre complex was granted planning permission by the Planning Committee on 27 February last. The RRA and 6 other RAs (Hartley & District RA, East Coulsdon RA, Selsdon RA, Croham Valley RA, Old Coulsdon RA, and Coulsdon West RA), plus members from the Purley Mosque (currently under construction), and a huge number of residents objecting to the application.

The application is for the demolition of the existing leisure centre and m/s car park and for a new Pool/gym, 220 Later Living flats and a car park. But there will only be 78 car parking spaces, down from the current 424 spaces. The flats will initially have 4 disabled parking spaces, but if the future owners/occupiers of the flats want more parking, then these spaces will be taken out of the public parking allocation. So thereby reducing the public parking allocation even more from the 74.

The 7 RAs are very much in favour of a new leisure centre/pool but the public parking aspect is of great concern to us for the viability of the Purley town centre. It is the 7 RAs belief that the Purley District Centre trade will suffer financially because of this huge reduction in parking. We are also concerned about patients visiting Purley Hospital, which is expanding in services provided, but visitors will have nowhere to park. Public transport for outlying and adjoining areas, especially in an east/west direction is poor. We are also concerned about some aspects of massing and loss of sunlight with the new high rise buildings on adjoining properties, some of which are residential. It also doesn’t comply with the current Croydon Local Plan 2018, in particular, relating to the height of the new buildings.

The Planning Officer stated in the report that the recommendation to grant approval was finely balanced, and there were a number of aspects the Planners were not entirely happy with as well. Some Planning Committee Members, and other supporters speaking, also raised certain aspects about the proposed scheme and also raised concerns about the lack of parking.

But despite a huge number of public objections (1,710 objecting and 544 supporting over two public consultations), plus the objection of 7 local Residents Associations and the Purley Mosque, it was approved by the Planning Committee, by 8 votes, none against and 2 abstentions.

The decision is still subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement between the applicant Polaska and the Council, and then it needs the approval of the GLA (the London Mayor) – who could still refuse it – for too much parking!

If both the schemes, the railway car park site and the multi-storey car park are built at the same time, then parking in Purley town centre could be a huge issue for a number of years until completion, with the temporary loss of two major town centre car parks.

Purley Baptist Church Sites and 17 storey Tower

We are aware that Phase 1 of this housing development is compete and occupiers are moving into the flats on the south side of Banstead Rd but the 17 storey tower and Church complex has hit a snag, in that the tower needs redesigning to accommodate two staircases following the Grenfell tower Public Inquiry and new legislation. It was only designed with one staircase. We last contacted the developer in January and they had no further update to provide us then. We are waiting more information from them.

One point on the environmental aspect – the RRA have sponsored the planting of 4 new trees via the Council and these are located at 1 & 8 Coombe Wood Hill, 60 Westfield Abe and 33 Purley Bury Close. Three of the trees have been planted and the one in Purley Bury Close should be planted soon. They do need watering and we would please ask residents who live nearby to water them (a lot) during the first 3 years or so – especially in times of drought. We will put notices on all 4 trees to this effect. If successful, we will repeat with a few more trees sponsored next year.

Lastly, Access Protection Markings (APMs) are making a comeback, but must be paid for. The rates are £53 for an initial survey, £150-168 (depending on size) for the actual marking. The survey fee is waived if APMs were previously installed. More details will appear on our website about this and in the 2025 Recorder magazine.

End of Vice Chairman’s report

Elections

Phil Thomas thanked Brian for all his work as Chairman over the years, and also the Councillors for all their efforts. He then proposed that Brian be re-elected as Chairman, Janice Edwards seconded, and he was voted in, unanimously.

Brian nominated John Placek as Treasurer – seconded by Phil Thomas. Unanimous vote.

Brian nominated Phil Thomas for the post of Vice Chairman, seconded by Neil Tarrant. Unanimous vote.

The rest of the committee were voted in en bloc– proposed by Brian Longman, seconded by Neil Tarrant. Unanimous vote.

Full Committee of elected members

Brian Longman – Chairman & Riddlesdown Collegiate Liaison Officer

Phil Thomas – Vice Chairman; Planning & Environmental; Website Editor

John Placek – Treasurer and Data Protection Officer

Berni Munt – Minutes Secretary

John Rapp – Public Transport and Membership

Keith Powell – Public Transport Concerns

Neil Tarrant – Recorder Editor

Helen Chase – Footpaths Officer

Janice Kedwards

Jan Powell

Joyce Boakye-Ansah

Questions from the floor

One member noted that flats were now on sale in 89 Hyde Road, and asked the reason for the 3 year gap in the development. Phil explained that it was due to the bankruptcy of the original developer.

Another member asked who owned the fields off Mitchley Avenue and Mitchley Hill. Phil explained that it was a Property Company in West Sussex who also owned other parcels of land and woodlands in the area. Phil advised that the Croydon Local Plan still recognises the designation of these fields as Metropolitan Green Belt.

Any Other Business

A member asked how people were finding the transfer of the Doctor’s surgery from the Mitchley Avenue to the Selsdon Practice. The reaction was mixed. Buses were found to be full, traffic heavy at times and daytime parking limited. John Rapp is asking for the 412 service to be improved.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

Minutes taken by Berni Munt

Held on: 15 April 2025 at 7 pm

At: St. Edmunds Hall

Present were Sanderstead Ward Councillor Lynne Hale, and Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown Ward Councillors Endri Llabuti and Alasdair Stewart. Apologies were received from: Sanderstead Ward Councillors Yvette Hopley and Helen Redfern.

The meeting was opened by Brian Longman, the RRA Chairman.

Minutes of the previous AGM

The Chairman presented the minutes from the last AGM (proposed by Phil Thomas and seconded by John Placek), which were accepted by the meeting:

Action items:

No new items.

Treasurers Report overview

The Treasurer John Placek presented the accounts for 2023/24 – link. He stated that RRA funds have recovered over the last two years (post-COVID); the increase in the subscription to £5 has helped. Some 30% of members are now paying by Bank Transfer, and membership stands at about 40% of Riddlesdown households. The Association has received the sum of £730 from CHASRO (Croham Hurst and Sanderstead Residents Against Overdevelopment) which has closed down.

Expenditure – £2,591.25
Income – £4,913.19                       £2,965.00 from membership subscriptions

Bank account balances
Woodland Account (Ring Fenced for Green Belt) £25,452.12 Current account £21,998.47
The accounts have been audited.

There were no questions on the accounts. After Brian had given an explanation of the background for the Ring Fenced Woodland account for any new attendees, the accounts were proposed for acceptance by John Rapp and agreed by the members.

Chairman’s Report

Brian gave thanks to the committee, which had been very active during the year, especially John Placek, who as well as continuing as Treasurer is also the Data Protection Officer. Thanks were given also to Neil Tarrant, who produces the Recorder and organises the Children’s Christmas Party. John Rapp was thanked for his work on train and bus issues, as well as Membership. Also Berni Munt, for the meeting minutes. Lastly, Phil Thomas, now the Vice Chairman and Planning & Environmental Officer, who does so much for the committee, including covering for the Chairman, and producing the E-Blast, and running the website, which is currently being re-vamped.

Brian advised that the Committee still needed new members. He predicted that there were tough times ahead for Residents’ Associations in the next 3-4 years. Online payment of subscriptions remains low, and more Road Stewards were still needed – John Rapp is servicing 4 or 5 roads himself.

Brian asked what was the purpose of a Residents’ Association, if not to represent the interests of the residents. The Riddlesdown Association does this every day. Are we going in the right directions? The Association ran a seminar and survey 10 years ago – do we need another seminar/survey?

Vice Chairman’s Report

Planning update

Phil Thomas gave an update on the planning applications and decisions in the area since the last AGM. It is quite noticeable the number of applications for new houses and flats has dropped locally – and throughout the Borough. And many, but not all, are being refused either by the Council and/or the Planning Inspectorate.

The application at 31 Copthorne Rise for a detached house and car parking spaces – was granted by the Planning Sub Committee on 22 February 2024 and the S106 agreement completed on 22 July 2024. This was despite local opposition from residents and opposition from the RRA and Cllr Lynne Hale. This new house is in the cul-de sac section of Westfield Ave.

A second application at 79 Riddlesdown Road – for a new part two/three storey building comprising of 5 flats, 5 car parking spaces was refused by the Council Planning Officers on 9 October. However, it has now gone to appeal on 3 April. This site is at the top of the access road on Riddlesdown Rd where many new houses and a couple of flatted developments have been built. The RRA objected and so did Cllr Alasdair Stewart. We believe this is an over-development of the site and we suspect the Planning Inspector will agree. The first application for 6 flats was refused by Planning Officers.

As many residents will be aware, the Doctors surgery at 116 Mitchley Ave closed on 31 March and Dr Woolf has retired from that date. An initial planning application was submitted to convert it to a House in Multiple Occupation, as a 4 bedroom and 7 person unit which both the RRA and Cllr Lynne Hale objected to. This application got withdrawn by the applicant and a subsequent application was submitted for a change of use from a Doctor’s Surgery back to dwelling-house. We made no further comments/objection and this application was granted by Planning Officers on 14 March.

Five applications remain outstanding since 2021, at 98 Hyde Road to regularise the authorised use on this site. The completed building is tenanted with the flats in occupation but without the correct planning approvals. Cllr Lynne Hale and the RRA are still pursuing Planners on this and we are all keen they come to some sort of decision on this – soon.

The application r/o 30 Riddlesdown Ave for the demolition of existing garage fronting Riddlesdown Rd, and a new house had the permission granted by the Planning sub Committee in October 2023 and the Section 106 Agreement was completed in September 2024. This is another house fronting the access road running parallel to the main Riddlesdown Rd. The RRA are trying to get the Council to upgrade the drainage and on this road, as flooding occurs to a nearby property and we are told these works will happen soon. New street lighting has been put in at our request. And we are also told the road will be resurfaced but hopefully after the building works are complete, so it won’t get damaged.

An application at 75a Riddlesdown Rd (the corner of Riddlesdown Ave) was recently refused by Officers to convert the existing house into 4 self contained units with four parking spaces. The RRA did not comment on the application.

An application at 90 Riddlesdown Road for the demolition of existing house and a block of 9 flats plus car parking was refused by Planning Officers in January 2024. This went to appeal and the Planning Inspector dismissed the appeal in January 2025. This site next door to the 21 flats currently being constructed at No. 88.

There have been a few applications for the Vera restaurant at 77 Mitchley Ave – for a variation of the opening hours until 11pm on Friday and Saturdays from 10.30pm. The Council refused the application and it went to appeal. There have been noise complaints to Environmental Health and the Planning Inspector felt in his decision that ‘this would have a significant adverse impact on the quality of life of these nearby occupiers.’ So the appeal was dismissed and closure times for Fridays and Saturdays remain at 10.30pm.

There have been a couple of raised decks placed on the footway in front of the Cafe and Vera and it has been discovered that each of these shops own all the pavement in front of the shops, and it is not adopted highway, although the Council/public should have a prescriptive right of way through the time it has been used. The access road is adopted highway.

Farm fields Mitchley Hill by the White Path – there is a redundant caravan on the horse grazing field which is authorised, but as the field hasn’t been used for horse grazing for a number of years now, the RRA have asked the Planners if the dilapidated caravan is allowed to stay within this Green Belt field. We are waiting a further response from Planning Enforcement on this.

Out of our area but nearby:

The former Milk & More Depot at 823 Brighton Road Purley was granted planning permission on 26 February by Planning Officers, for a new M&S Foodhall together with a Creative and Cultural Enterprise Centre to the rear and a 70 space car park. The RRA and Cllr Alasdair Stewart supported this application.

Planning permission was granted in April 2024 at 26-52 Whytecliffe Road South & Purley Railway Station Car Park for redevelopment of the site for buildings up to 4 to 9 storeys high and to provide 238 residential flats together with replacement station car park – but a smaller one – from 165 spaces to 125 commuter car paces and 17 motorcycle parking spaces. The application is still subject to the completion of a legal Section 106 agreement. The site is opposite the Purley multi storey car park and former Purley Leisure Centre.

The Purley Leisure Centre complex was granted planning permission by the Planning Committee on 27 February last. The RRA and 6 other RAs (Hartley & District RA, East Coulsdon RA, Selsdon RA, Croham Valley RA, Old Coulsdon RA, and Coulsdon West RA), plus members from the Purley Mosque (currently under construction), and a huge number of residents objecting to the application.

The application is for the demolition of the existing leisure centre and m/s car park and for a new Pool/gym, 220 Later Living flats and a car park. But there will only be 78 car parking spaces, down from the current 424 spaces. The flats will initially have 4 disabled parking spaces, but if the future owners/occupiers of the flats want more parking, then these spaces will be taken out of the public parking allocation. So thereby reducing the public parking allocation even more from the 74.

The 7 RAs are very much in favour of a new leisure centre/pool but the public parking aspect is of great concern to us for the viability of the Purley town centre. It is the 7 RAs belief that the Purley District Centre trade will suffer financially because of this huge reduction in parking. We are also concerned about patients visiting Purley Hospital, which is expanding in services provided, but visitors will have nowhere to park. Public transport for outlying and adjoining areas, especially in an east/west direction is poor. We are also concerned about some aspects of massing and loss of sunlight with the new high rise buildings on adjoining properties, some of which are residential. It also doesn’t comply with the current Croydon Local Plan 2018, in particular, relating to the height of the new buildings.

The Planning Officer stated in the report that the recommendation to grant approval was finely balanced, and there were a number of aspects the Planners were not entirely happy with as well. Some Planning Committee Members, and other supporters speaking, also raised certain aspects about the proposed scheme and also raised concerns about the lack of parking.

But despite a huge number of public objections (1,710 objecting and 544 supporting over two public consultations), plus the objection of 7 local Residents Associations and the Purley Mosque, it was approved by the Planning Committee, by 8 votes, none against and 2 abstentions.

The decision is still subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement between the applicant Polaska and the Council, and then it needs the approval of the GLA (the London Mayor) – who could still refuse it – for too much parking!

If both the schemes, the railway car park site and the multi-storey car park are built at the same time, then parking in Purley town centre could be a huge issue for a number of years until completion, with the temporary loss of two major town centre car parks.

Purley Baptist Church Sites and 17 storey Tower

We are aware that Phase 1 of this housing development is compete and occupiers are moving into the flats on the south side of Banstead Rd but the 17 storey tower and Church complex has hit a snag, in that the tower needs redesigning to accommodate two staircases following the Grenfell tower Public Inquiry and new legislation. It was only designed with one staircase. We last contacted the developer in January and they had no further update to provide us then. We are waiting more information from them.

One point on the environmental aspect – the RRA have sponsored the planting of 4 new trees via the Council and these are located at 1 & 8 Coombe Wood Hill, 60 Westfield Abe and 33 Purley Bury Close. Three of the trees have been planted and the one in Purley Bury Close should be planted soon. They do need watering and we would please ask residents who live nearby to water them (a lot) during the first 3 years or so – especially in times of drought. We will put notices on all 4 trees to this effect. If successful, we will repeat with a few more trees sponsored next year.

Lastly, Access Protection Markings (APMs) are making a comeback, but must be paid for. The rates are £53 for an initial survey, £150-168 (depending on size) for the actual marking. The survey fee is waived if APMs were previously installed. More details will appear on our website about this and in the 2025 Recorder magazine.

End of Vice Chairman’s report

Elections

Phil Thomas thanked Brian for all his work as Chairman over the years, and also the Councillors for all their efforts. He then proposed that Brian be re-elected as Chairman, Janice Edwards seconded, and he was voted in, unanimously.

Brian nominated John Placek as Treasurer – seconded by Phil Thomas. Unanimous vote.

Brian nominated Phil Thomas for the post of Vice Chairman, seconded by Neil Tarrant. Unanimous vote.

The rest of the committee were voted in en bloc– proposed by Brian Longman, seconded by Neil Tarrant. Unanimous vote.

Full Committee of elected members

Brian Longman – Chairman & Riddlesdown Collegiate Liaison Officer

Phil Thomas – Vice Chairman; Planning & Environmental; Website Editor

John Placek – Treasurer and Data Protection Officer

Berni Munt – Minutes Secretary

John Rapp – Public Transport and Membership

Keith Powell – Public Transport Concerns

Neil Tarrant – Recorder Editor

Helen Chase – Footpaths Officer

Janice Kedwards

Jan Powell

Joyce Boakye-Ansah

Questions from the floor

One member noted that flats were now on sale in 89 Hyde Road, and asked the reason for the 3 year gap in the development. Phil explained that it was due to the bankruptcy of the original developer.

Another member asked who owned the fields off Mitchley Avenue and Mitchley Hill. Phil explained that it was a Property Company in West Sussex who also owned other parcels of land and woodlands in the area. Phil advised that the Croydon Local Plan still recognises the designation of these fields as Metropolitan Green Belt.

Any Other Business

A member asked how people were finding the transfer of the Doctor’s surgery from the Mitchley Avenue to the Selsdon Practice. The reaction was mixed. Buses were found to be full, traffic heavy at times and daytime parking limited. John Rapp is asking for the 412 service to be improved.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

Minutes taken by Berni Munt

Held on: 15 April 2025 at 7 pm

At: St. Edmunds Hall

Present were Sanderstead Ward Councillor Lynne Hale, and Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown Ward Councillors Endri Llabuti and Alasdair Stewart. Apologies were received from: Sanderstead Ward Councillors Yvette Hopley and Helen Redfern.

The meeting was opened by Brian Longman, the RRA Chairman.

Minutes of the previous AGM

The Chairman presented the minutes from the last AGM (proposed by Phil Thomas and seconded by John Placek), which were accepted by the meeting:

Action items:

No new items.

Treasurers Report overview

The Treasurer John Placek presented the accounts for 2023/24 – link. He stated that RRA funds have recovered over the last two years (post-COVID); the increase in the subscription to £5 has helped. Some 30% of members are now paying by Bank Transfer, and membership stands at about 40% of Riddlesdown households. The Association has received the sum of £730 from CHASRO (Croham Hurst and Sanderstead Residents Against Overdevelopment) which has closed down.

Expenditure – £2,591.25
Income – £4,913.19                       £2,965.00 from membership subscriptions

Bank account balances
Woodland Account (Ring Fenced for Green Belt) £25,452.12 Current account £21,998.47
The accounts have been audited.

There were no questions on the accounts. After Brian had given an explanation of the background for the Ring Fenced Woodland account for any new attendees, the accounts were proposed for acceptance by John Rapp and agreed by the members.

Chairman’s Report

Brian gave thanks to the committee, which had been very active during the year, especially John Placek, who as well as continuing as Treasurer is also the Data Protection Officer. Thanks were given also to Neil Tarrant, who produces the Recorder and organises the Children’s Christmas Party. John Rapp was thanked for his work on train and bus issues, as well as Membership. Also Berni Munt, for the meeting minutes. Lastly, Phil Thomas, now the Vice Chairman and Planning & Environmental Officer, who does so much for the committee, including covering for the Chairman, and producing the E-Blast, and running the website, which is currently being re-vamped.

Brian advised that the Committee still needed new members. He predicted that there were tough times ahead for Residents’ Associations in the next 3-4 years. Online payment of subscriptions remains low, and more Road Stewards were still needed – John Rapp is servicing 4 or 5 roads himself.

Brian asked what was the purpose of a Residents’ Association, if not to represent the interests of the residents. The Riddlesdown Association does this every day. Are we going in the right directions? The Association ran a seminar and survey 10 years ago – do we need another seminar/survey?

Vice Chairman’s Report

Planning update

Phil Thomas gave an update on the planning applications and decisions in the area since the last AGM. It is quite noticeable the number of applications for new houses and flats has dropped locally – and throughout the Borough. And many, but not all, are being refused either by the Council and/or the Planning Inspectorate.

The application at 31 Copthorne Rise for a detached house and car parking spaces – was granted by the Planning Sub Committee on 22 February 2024 and the S106 agreement completed on 22 July 2024. This was despite local opposition from residents and opposition from the RRA and Cllr Lynne Hale. This new house is in the cul-de sac section of Westfield Ave.

A second application at 79 Riddlesdown Road – for a new part two/three storey building comprising of 5 flats, 5 car parking spaces was refused by the Council Planning Officers on 9 October. However, it has now gone to appeal on 3 April. This site is at the top of the access road on Riddlesdown Rd where many new houses and a couple of flatted developments have been built. The RRA objected and so did Cllr Alasdair Stewart. We believe this is an over-development of the site and we suspect the Planning Inspector will agree. The first application for 6 flats was refused by Planning Officers.

As many residents will be aware, the Doctors surgery at 116 Mitchley Ave closed on 31 March and Dr Woolf has retired from that date. An initial planning application was submitted to convert it to a House in Multiple Occupation, as a 4 bedroom and 7 person unit which both the RRA and Cllr Lynne Hale objected to. This application got withdrawn by the applicant and a subsequent application was submitted for a change of use from a Doctor’s Surgery back to dwelling-house. We made no further comments/objection and this application was granted by Planning Officers on 14 March.

Five applications remain outstanding since 2021, at 98 Hyde Road to regularise the authorised use on this site. The completed building is tenanted with the flats in occupation but without the correct planning approvals. Cllr Lynne Hale and the RRA are still pursuing Planners on this and we are all keen they come to some sort of decision on this – soon.

The application r/o 30 Riddlesdown Ave for the demolition of existing garage fronting Riddlesdown Rd, and a new house had the permission granted by the Planning sub Committee in October 2023 and the Section 106 Agreement was completed in September 2024. This is another house fronting the access road running parallel to the main Riddlesdown Rd. The RRA are trying to get the Council to upgrade the drainage and on this road, as flooding occurs to a nearby property and we are told these works will happen soon. New street lighting has been put in at our request. And we are also told the road will be resurfaced but hopefully after the building works are complete, so it won’t get damaged.

An application at 75a Riddlesdown Rd (the corner of Riddlesdown Ave) was recently refused by Officers to convert the existing house into 4 self contained units with four parking spaces. The RRA did not comment on the application.

An application at 90 Riddlesdown Road for the demolition of existing house and a block of 9 flats plus car parking was refused by Planning Officers in January 2024. This went to appeal and the Planning Inspector dismissed the appeal in January 2025. This site next door to the 21 flats currently being constructed at No. 88.

There have been a few applications for the Vera restaurant at 77 Mitchley Ave – for a variation of the opening hours until 11pm on Friday and Saturdays from 10.30pm. The Council refused the application and it went to appeal. There have been noise complaints to Environmental Health and the Planning Inspector felt in his decision that ‘this would have a significant adverse impact on the quality of life of these nearby occupiers.’ So the appeal was dismissed and closure times for Fridays and Saturdays remain at 10.30pm.

There have been a couple of raised decks placed on the footway in front of the Cafe and Vera and it has been discovered that each of these shops own all the pavement in front of the shops, and it is not adopted highway, although the Council/public should have a prescriptive right of way through the time it has been used. The access road is adopted highway.

Farm fields Mitchley Hill by the White Path – there is a redundant caravan on the horse grazing field which is authorised, but as the field hasn’t been used for horse grazing for a number of years now, the RRA have asked the Planners if the dilapidated caravan is allowed to stay within this Green Belt field. We are waiting a further response from Planning Enforcement on this.

Out of our area but nearby:

The former Milk & More Depot at 823 Brighton Road Purley was granted planning permission on 26 February by Planning Officers, for a new M&S Foodhall together with a Creative and Cultural Enterprise Centre to the rear and a 70 space car park. The RRA and Cllr Alasdair Stewart supported this application.

Planning permission was granted in April 2024 at 26-52 Whytecliffe Road South & Purley Railway Station Car Park for redevelopment of the site for buildings up to 4 to 9 storeys high and to provide 238 residential flats together with replacement station car park – but a smaller one – from 165 spaces to 125 commuter car paces and 17 motorcycle parking spaces. The application is still subject to the completion of a legal Section 106 agreement. The site is opposite the Purley multi storey car park and former Purley Leisure Centre.

The Purley Leisure Centre complex was granted planning permission by the Planning Committee on 27 February last. The RRA and 6 other RAs (Hartley & District RA, East Coulsdon RA, Selsdon RA, Croham Valley RA, Old Coulsdon RA, and Coulsdon West RA), plus members from the Purley Mosque (currently under construction), and a huge number of residents objecting to the application.

The application is for the demolition of the existing leisure centre and m/s car park and for a new Pool/gym, 220 Later Living flats and a car park. But there will only be 78 car parking spaces, down from the current 424 spaces. The flats will initially have 4 disabled parking spaces, but if the future owners/occupiers of the flats want more parking, then these spaces will be taken out of the public parking allocation. So thereby reducing the public parking allocation even more from the 74.

The 7 RAs are very much in favour of a new leisure centre/pool but the public parking aspect is of great concern to us for the viability of the Purley town centre. It is the 7 RAs belief that the Purley District Centre trade will suffer financially because of this huge reduction in parking. We are also concerned about patients visiting Purley Hospital, which is expanding in services provided, but visitors will have nowhere to park. Public transport for outlying and adjoining areas, especially in an east/west direction is poor. We are also concerned about some aspects of massing and loss of sunlight with the new high rise buildings on adjoining properties, some of which are residential. It also doesn’t comply with the current Croydon Local Plan 2018, in particular, relating to the height of the new buildings.

The Planning Officer stated in the report that the recommendation to grant approval was finely balanced, and there were a number of aspects the Planners were not entirely happy with as well. Some Planning Committee Members, and other supporters speaking, also raised certain aspects about the proposed scheme and also raised concerns about the lack of parking.

But despite a huge number of public objections (1,710 objecting and 544 supporting over two public consultations), plus the objection of 7 local Residents Associations and the Purley Mosque, it was approved by the Planning Committee, by 8 votes, none against and 2 abstentions.

The decision is still subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement between the applicant Polaska and the Council, and then it needs the approval of the GLA (the London Mayor) – who could still refuse it – for too much parking!

If both the schemes, the railway car park site and the multi-storey car park are built at the same time, then parking in Purley town centre could be a huge issue for a number of years until completion, with the temporary loss of two major town centre car parks.

Purley Baptist Church Sites and 17 storey Tower

We are aware that Phase 1 of this housing development is compete and occupiers are moving into the flats on the south side of Banstead Rd but the 17 storey tower and Church complex has hit a snag, in that the tower needs redesigning to accommodate two staircases following the Grenfell tower Public Inquiry and new legislation. It was only designed with one staircase. We last contacted the developer in January and they had no further update to provide us then. We are waiting more information from them.

One point on the environmental aspect – the RRA have sponsored the planting of 4 new trees via the Council and these are located at 1 & 8 Coombe Wood Hill, 60 Westfield Abe and 33 Purley Bury Close. Three of the trees have been planted and the one in Purley Bury Close should be planted soon. They do need watering and we would please ask residents who live nearby to water them (a lot) during the first 3 years or so – especially in times of drought. We will put notices on all 4 trees to this effect. If successful, we will repeat with a few more trees sponsored next year.

Lastly, Access Protection Markings (APMs) are making a comeback, but must be paid for. The rates are £53 for an initial survey, £150-168 (depending on size) for the actual marking. The survey fee is waived if APMs were previously installed. More details will appear on our website about this and in the 2025 Recorder magazine.

End of Vice Chairman’s report

Elections

Phil Thomas thanked Brian for all his work as Chairman over the years, and also the Councillors for all their efforts. He then proposed that Brian be re-elected as Chairman, Janice Edwards seconded, and he was voted in, unanimously.

Brian nominated John Placek as Treasurer – seconded by Phil Thomas. Unanimous vote.

Brian nominated Phil Thomas for the post of Vice Chairman, seconded by Neil Tarrant. Unanimous vote.

The rest of the committee were voted in en bloc– proposed by Brian Longman, seconded by Neil Tarrant. Unanimous vote.

Full Committee of elected members

Brian Longman – Chairman & Riddlesdown Collegiate Liaison Officer

Phil Thomas – Vice Chairman; Planning & Environmental; Website Editor

John Placek – Treasurer and Data Protection Officer

Berni Munt – Minutes Secretary

John Rapp – Public Transport and Membership

Keith Powell – Public Transport Concerns

Neil Tarrant – Recorder Editor

Helen Chase – Footpaths Officer

Janice Kedwards

Jan Powell

Joyce Boakye-Ansah

Questions from the floor

One member noted that flats were now on sale in 89 Hyde Road, and asked the reason for the 3 year gap in the development. Phil explained that it was due to the bankruptcy of the original developer.

Another member asked who owned the fields off Mitchley Avenue and Mitchley Hill. Phil explained that it was a Property Company in West Sussex who also owned other parcels of land and woodlands in the area. Phil advised that the Croydon Local Plan still recognises the designation of these fields as Metropolitan Green Belt.

Any Other Business

A member asked how people were finding the transfer of the Doctor’s surgery from the Mitchley Avenue to the Selsdon Practice. The reaction was mixed. Buses were found to be full, traffic heavy at times and daytime parking limited. John Rapp is asking for the 412 service to be improved.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

Minutes taken by Berni Munt