Council Breaks Affordable Homes Promise in Crystal Palace

Croydon Council has been accused of breaking a pledge to increase affordable housing in the borough, following the rejection of a planning application for seven homes in Crystal Palace. The pledge was made in April 2024 and supported by councillors of all political parties, including the Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry, at a meeting of the entire council.

The planning application had been submitted by the Crystal Palace Community Land Trust, following a bidding process to develop a small infill site on The Lawns, just south of Beulah Hill. The Trust is made up of local volunteers dedicated to providing affordable local housing and helping to build community resilience. 

Cllr Claire Bonham said, "This is deeply disappointing news. SE19 is one of the most unaffordable parts of the borough so this housing was desperately needed - it's such a kick in the teeth to the many local volunteers from the CLT who have spent hundreds of hours of their own time on this. The Council has many questions to answer, especially after years of community engagement and close cooperation on the project from the council's own planning department. 

"Last week, I challenged the Council's Deputy Mayor to explain why, just five months after being made, the council's pledge to provide more affordable housing has been broken. I urge the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to meet with the Trust, support the application and doing everything they can to get this vital community project over the line".

 The CLT team said:

"Our board has put thousands of hours into setting up the Community Land Trust, making sure it is well governed and financially managed. We have had countless meetings with Croydon’s elected mayor, cabinet members, ward councillors and council officers, and London’s deputy mayor for housing. 

"We’re so proud of how the local community has come together to try and build homes for people priced out of the area. We don’t want this effort to be wasted, so we intend to appeal.