by Ross Lidbetter

ross.lidbetetr@essnmedia.co.uk

CAMPAIGNERS battling to stop flats being built opposite Norwood Junction station lived to fight another day last Thursday.

The protesters, who were driven to the town hall in Katharine Street, Croydon, on a Routemaster bus, feared the worst as the latest plan had been recommended for approval.

But they left the meeting of Croydon Council's planning committee happy as a decision on the proposal was deferred.

Developer Greathall Limited wants to build 11 flats, with two units on the ground floor for retail use, at the rear of 29 to 33 Station Road.

Mechanic Richard Hough is likely to lose the car repair garage business he runs – Autoclutch – if the proposal goes ahead.

The fight has been going on since November 2002 and is one of Croydon's longest development battles.

Previous plans have been unanimously rejected, but some councillors on the committee felt this particular application was right for South Norwood.

Cllr Paul Scott told the meeting: "Personally, I think it's much better than we've seen before.

"It is designed to be a modern building as opposed to being a pastiche.

"The applicant has gone through a long and drawn-out process and we have got a scheme that is acceptable."

He added that the building should not be "shouting out look at me".

But Cllr Chris Wright disagreed and felt the design needed to stand out.

He argued that he wanted something "much better for South Norwood".

Cllr Wright added: "My opinion is we haven't got there yet and we look forward to something better for that particular and very vital area."

Planning officers had recommended the application should be approved, but Cllr Jason Perry argued they had got it wrong "again".

It was decided the application should be deferred to a later date so members of the committee can take more advice on the plan.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Hough revealed he would like to purchase the building where the flats would be built and then attract other small businesses into the empty four units.

He said: "As a tenant of the building for 20 years I was not given the opportunity to purchase the site (which has six units in total) in 2002.

"If I'd been allowed to buy the premises back then the building would have been fully restored at that time.

"The facade of the building would not have been an eyesore.

"But even now, with a bit of imagination and time, the building could be restored to its former glory and not turned into flats."