A Planning Inspector has allowed an appeal to demolish the Stag and Hounds Public House in Croydon, a unique, classically designed three storey building, to build 7 flats and two semi-detached properties, noting an already ‘fractured streetscape’, and concluding that the development ‘would significantly improve the character of the area’.
A decision to allow the appeal and grant planning permission for the demolition of the existing building and erection of a block of 7 apartments
and a pair of 3 bed semi-detached properties, with associated access and parking at The Stag and Hounds Public House, 26 Selsdon Road, South Croydon. The appeal considered the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area noting that the Stag and Hounds Public House is a unique, classically designed three storey building prominently located on Selsdon Road. That it stands on the corner of Selsdon Road with Cliffe Road, a short distance from the South End local shopping centre and close to the South Croydon railway station.
The inspector noted that the Public House has a rather striking appearance and is very prominently located on Selsdon Road but that it appears rather isolated and the street appears somewhat fractured due to the large gaps that exist in the street frontage. He found this to be in marked contrast to the general character of the area where an almost continuous built up frontage is maintained. The inspector found that the proposed development would be of sufficient scale to provide a focal point for this part of Selsdon Road but without being too dominant or imposing. He found that the significant change in height between this and the 2 storey element along Selsdon Road would add interest to the street scene and the hipped style of roof would allow it to sit comfortably with its neighbour. He stated that the traditional style and formal appearance of the elevation would assimilate with its surroundings.
He found the closure of the gap on Selsdon Road would be a positive improvement to the general character of the area. That along Cliffe Road the development would also have an attractive enclosing effect at the point just before the road turns sharply to the left. The pair of semi-detached houses constructed slightly lower than the main development would provide a bridge between it and the traditional terraced houses beyond and they would follow the traditional pattern set back slightly from the pavement. He found the overall effect would be to create a new and traditionally designed street that would complement the existing rows of terraced houses. Consequently he found the development overall would reinforce the existing pattern of development in the local area and provide active street frontages. He said it would significantly improve the character of the area.
Appeal Ref: APP/L5240/W/17/3174179
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