Plans to replace a couple of dated South London housing blocks with new flats have been submitted after a long wait. The housing estate, in the centre of Croydon, has been struggling with issues for years. Primarily, fly-tipping and drug dealing have been causing huge problems. The new proposals will change all of that. We want to have a closer look at them, then you can talk to us if you want estate management in Croydon.
The eagerly anticipated proposals for Bedford Court and Woburn Court will deliver 445 new homes. They also include new community areas and shops. Moreover, the developers have a commitment to making 156 of the flats affordable. However, plans can only go forward once the area’s remaining homeowners are bought out.
The post-war housing blocks are just off Wellesley Road. The estate consists of eight low-rise residential blocks with 80 maisonettes and flats. Furthermore, there are 90 car parking spots and single-storey garage blocks. There is even a green verge at its front. Both fall under Croydon Council’s ownership.
Council planning report
In 2023, a council planning report said that the existing structures on site are in a bad state of repair. They are coming to the end of their lifespan. Also, the site is suffering from major levels of antisocial behaviour.
Neighbours said to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that a lot of the crime is thanks to the estate’s closeness to the town centre. The presence of fly-tipped rubbish was noted by the LDRS during a visit in the summer. One neighbour said that it’s simple for people to pull in and drop things off without anyone catching them.
The garages at The Elms are facing demolition too. This is also in a bid to fight against the area’s persisting anti-social behaviour.
Premcor Estates is behind the new plans; they strive to transform the ageing estate. They want to turn it into one to three-bedroom apartments. The tallest structure will reportedly reach 29 storeys high. If you need the best services for estate management in Croydon, contact our team.
Sustainability
In a huge move towards sustainability, this ambitious undertaking will be car-free. It’ll only incorporate 14 disabled parking spaces alongside one ‘car club’ bay. This is in addition to 811 long-stay cycle parking spots.
Something else the design includes is a central ‘pocket garden’. It features lush greenery and play spaces. Another thing the plans allocate is 1,772 square meters of ground-floor space. It’s for community and commercial use.
What now?
The next step focuses on the future of current tenants of the blocks. Most are social tenants, with many of them in temporary accommodation. Yet, there are also several residents who own their flats. One Green councillor said that work couldn’t begin until everyone who owns properties on the estate have been bought out.
Additional details on the proposal will be available at a future Planning Committee meeting. Here, residents will have the chance to present their opinions straight to the developers and councillors. A Premcor spokesperson said the vision behind this project is to offer much-needed affordable housing. Moreover, it will function as a catalyst for future regeneration in the local Wellesley Road area.
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