Demolition of housing estate and redevelopment agreed

GO-AHEAD DESPITE CONCERNS OF RESIDENTS AND GREEN COUNCILLORS

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

CGI from 2023 showing what the redeveloped Woburn and Bedford Courts would look like from Wellesley Road

(CROYDON COUNCIL)

PLANS to demolish an ageing postwar housing estate in central Croydon and replace it with four new buildings, reaching up to 32 storeys, have been passed.

Despite the issues at Woburn Court and Bedford Court, the proposal had sparked concern among residents and councillors, who warned of added pressure on local services, loss of sunlight and potential harm to the area’s historic buildings.

The redevelopment, agreed by Croydon Council’s planning committee, will deliver 445 new homes, including 156 affordable units, providing much-needed housing in the heart of the town centre.

In recent years the estate has suffered from "considerable levels of antisocial behaviour, including drug dealing and fly-tipping" according to Croydon Council.

The planning committee agreed to the demolition plans, which some describe as long overdue.

The new scheme includes 92 three-bedroom homes, helping to address the shortage of family-sized housing. It will also provide 1,584 square metres of flexible commercial and community space for small businesses and neighbourhood facilities across the ground and second floors.