550 to 550a Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 4RF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effects of the proposals on the character and appearance of the area with particular regard to development plan policy for height
• the effects of the proposals on the living conditions for future occupiers with particular regard to aspect
• whether the quality of design is sufficient to justify the height, massing and scale of the building, including the proposed public realm
• whether the scheme would offer an adequate proportion and mix of market and affordable housing
• the effects of the proposals on light, with particular regard to the living conditions of adjoining neighbours and efficiency of adjacent solar panels
• whether the scheme would sufficiently promote sustainable modes of transport and the impact of this on highway safety and air quality
• the effects of the proposals on potential flooding
• whether the benefits put forward would outweigh any harm in the overall planning balance

What decided it

The scheme, as a tall building, failed to achieve the exemplary/exceptional design quality required by policy, and this shortfall was not outweighed by the housing and affordable housing benefits offered.

Substantial weight to affordable housing and other benefits was not outweighed by the substantial design shortcomings relating to height, massing, public realm and landscaping, so the scheme was found contrary to the development plan and dismissed.