“Me again Tony
1) If a Councillor lives in the ward it is preferable but, to me, not important as long as they spend time here, understand our needs and work for us.
2) You may see determination in full re-surfacing .... I still see pot-holes, lots of them, still bad and not dealt with.
3) The Election - so on this public forum we can discuss council tax but not Regeneration? Why? Surely the Conservative Council can give us some idea of the plans they have if re-elected - or are they so far off what the Residents have requested it may lose votes?
We will have claims from all parties as to what they promise to do, improve on, introduce to win votes - so why is the regeneration not to be included?
P.S If the elected Councillors do indeed come from outside the wards - it is likely they will have to drive up here .... would then say there is MORE chance of the roads being sorted then!”

“Krystal, I do indeed live in New Addington, and I drive, and I recognise the poor state of the roads but I also see a determination from the Council to reverse the years of cuts we saw in road maintenance under Labour, and follow a program of full resurfacing as opposed to patching up. This years budget, with a low council tax increase, allows for a substantial increase in the budget for roads maintenance and I welcome this. It is up to all of us to make sure that the work is done and that is why I support local representation. It is fair to say this is 'off topic' but if Labour have their way we will have two Labour Councillors for New Addington, one living in Sanderstead and one in Kenley. This does not bode well for being properly represented and getting what New Addington needs. My understanding in respect of the Regeneration project that is ongoing is that, whilst the proposals have been published, the Council has to be very careful in what it says at the moment due to the Election Laws that kick in this close to election but make no mistake, the Conservative Council and local conservatives are determined to see this regeneration completed to benefit evryone in New Addington and Fieldway. I hope this helps, but am always happy to explain further.”

“Tony, New Addington

This doesn't clarify I'm afraid.
I appreciate that this is now slightly "off topic" from the original article - but nonetheless ...
I hear that Croydon Council is now in a better financial situation, and, as I believe the consensus of opinion from Residents here was a yes the Regeneration but a no to housing built to fund it - it's all good news!
Now comes the point - if the taxpayers are not funding the Council's new offices ... will this then impact on monies which should be set-aside for the badly needed regeneration of New Addington?

The results of the consultation by John Thompson & Ptnrs has now been published - but as per usual it seems - no engagement from the Council - what happens now? When will the Council be applying to alter of the so called "village green" - in order to do this will they have to submit the plans and layout - will the Residents be consulted in this? As I've mentioned in another post on this site, how much money is available?

One last point, if you reside up here, if you drive and have appreciated how appalling the pot-holes still are - why are they still being temporarily filled ... it's just falling out leaving most as they were before.
So - in conclusion and reverting back to the original article - if any building works are undertaken here, in my opinion, it should be Regeneration-based only and the view of local residents should be heard loud and clear!”

“Krystal, please allow me to clarify. At the time of the Tesco plan, Croydon was bankrupt and reliant on the deal with Tesco to fund the regeneration, now thanks to good fiscal management the Council is financially more stable and not do reliant. As for the regeneration of Taberner House, despite the lies being circulated there is NO cost to the Council Tax payer for this development, however, if the Council opted for refurbishment then it would cost at least £41 Million pounds all met from the Council Tax. You are right that this should not be a political forum, however, it is essential that facts are stated in order that people get a balanced idea of the situation.”

“Perhaps if we had decent councelours thing would be better not looking for gongs in the new years honour list just get on with the job.”

“Tony, New Addington
Re May 6th .... you may well be hoping!

I don't see this matter as political ... yet more houses in an already built up area is not wanted.
As you seem to be using this as a political platform ... please don't accuse Labour as failing to provide the Regeneration of New Addington - though they may at the time have been more reliant on Tesco than many were comfortable with, the committee of the ACA scuppered any plans single-handedly! Please also tell me how the Conservative council will plan to pay for this massive Regeneration desperately needed up here when you cannot even repair the still present pot-holes and are busily spending a massive amount on your own regeneration plans for Taberner House.

Politicians ...... stop point-scoring its boring and detracts from the important issues at hand!”

“Rob, whether I am said person or not will not detract from the point in hand. The fact is the Labour party, and it's Councillors, take New Addington and Fieldway for granted. They parachute candidates in from outside the Area and assume that they will get elected. The Regeneration project failed because (a) the 'consultation' undertaken under the Labour controlled Council was half hearted and predetermined by a deal being done with Tescos because Labour had virtually bankrupted Croydon and there was no Council money to invest and (2) because Labours idea of consultation is decide first, ask residents and then ignore residents. I think on May 6th it could be Labour who are ignored.”

“Sorry, Richard, don't spend ever minute of every day checking this.

Actually, the local councillors were only notified of the appeal AFTER the time limits had expired for Croydon Council to request a hearing rather than written representations. Hope that helps clarify.”

“Well the silence is deafening Simon.
Its so obvious that you didnt know that you had the option of a hearing!!
Amazing when you consider you actually sit on the planning committee.
Well simon maybe its time for you to say sorry to the people you are actually meant to be representing.
Please dont try and correct me again when you dont know the planning process!!!!!”

“SIMON.Thanks for correcting me!
Question for you?
Did you request a hearing?
I am led to believe that if you request a hearing the the inspectorate never refuse!!!!!”