Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Croydon Council is consulting on proposals after reviewing the Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Areas Appraisal and Management Plan.
Residents’ opinions were heard during the Council’s recent review of the conservation area, which was established to preserve and manage the village’s and historic estate’s identity.
In addition to adding 31 buildings of importance to Croydon‘s Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Significance, it is recommending that an updated CAAMP be adopted.
The recommendations back Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priorities of protecting and preserving neighborhood heritage and local character as well as listening to locals on planning.
The consultation is currently open and will end on October 2, 2025, at midnight. Through the Council’s Get Involved website, locals, companies, and partners are encouraged to provide feedback on the updated plan.
In order to give it weight when evaluating planning applications, the revised CAAMP would be accepted as a Supplementary Planning Document. It would take the place of the current, out-of-date plan that was enacted in 2007.
The publication offers more thorough explanations of the character regions, including the buildings’ architectural characteristics, which are essential details for the Local Planning Authority and the planning committee to consider when making decisions.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon said:
“It is my priority to restore pride in our borough and to protect and preserve our conservation areas and the unique character of our districts.
“We have carried out a thorough review of the Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Areas Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) and want to protect this area further through this updated plan. This consultation presents another opportunity to have your say on an area with historical buildings in beautiful surroundings.”
Council officers will be available to answer any questions during a public consultation event on Wednesday, September 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Purley Library, located at Banstead Road, CR8 3YH.
During regular business hours, libraries throughout the borough are also offering paper copies of the proposed local listings and the draft Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village CAAMP.
What specific changes does the draft CAAMP propose for the Webb Estate streetscape?
Maintaining the original garden suburb design principles laid out by William Webb, with an emphasis on retaining the cohesive spatial patterns and mature landscaping. Encouraging visually simple and uncluttered street furniture and paving materials that harmonize with the estate’s historic character and avoid visual intrusion.
Enhancing green elements to soften streetscape views, improve air quality and microclimate, and maintain the garden suburb ambiance. Promoting streetscapes that accommodate multiple functions harmoniously — pedestrian movement, vehicle access, deliveries, and social interaction — while prioritizing ease of movement and accessibility for all including disabled users.
Making careful, ordered provision for parking, deliveries, and vehicle storage to prevent clutter and visual disruption to the streetscape. Limiting intrusive signage and utilities equipment to subordinate them to the overall character of the streetscape.