Croydon Local Plan progress has taken a major step forward after the council received confirmation from the Planning Inspectorate that the plan can move to the next stage of the statutory planning process.
The decision marks a key milestone for the borough’s long-term planning framework, which sets out how Croydon is expected to develop up to 2040. The Local Plan provides the legal and strategic basis for decisions on housing, infrastructure, economic growth and environmental protection, and is particularly significant as changes to national planning policy are anticipated.
The latest confirmation means the council can now progress with the next phase, including further engagement with residents, businesses and community groups. This consultation will focus on suggested changes from the Planning Inspectorate, ensuring local feedback continues to play a central role as Croydon Local Plan progress continues.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry said the announcement was an important step for the borough’s future.
“It is very welcome news that the Planning Inspectorate has agreed the Croydon Local Plan can progress to the next stage. This is a key milestone that moves us closer to delivering a clear, aspirational long-term vision for our borough.
“As we work to restore pride in Croydon, it’s vital that new homes are delivered in a way that protects our borough’s character for generations to come. This Local Plan Partial Review strikes the right balance between meeting housing needs and safeguarding our neighbourhoods, green spaces and sense of place.
“I want to thank the residents who have taken the time to share their views and help shape this plan so far. Your voices have been central to getting us to this point, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with our communities as the plan moves forward.
“Croydon has always been a place of history, heart and hustle, a story built over centuries. This plan is about making sure that story continues.”
At the heart of Croydon Local Plan progress is a renewed emphasis on sustainable, design-led development. The proposed framework promotes quality over density, aiming to ensure new buildings respect local character while still meeting London Plan housing targets. Protecting green spaces and supporting well-designed neighbourhoods where people can live, work and visit are central themes running through the revised plan.
The current stage follows several years of consultation and revision. The partial review of Croydon’s Local Plan began in 2019, with early community engagement taking place between November 2019 and January 2020. A further consultation was held in early 2022, with more than 800 responses considered as part of the updated proposals. Subsequent changes were made following the election of Mayor Perry in May 2022 to align the plan with his stated priorities for the borough.
As outlined in recent briefings to councillors, the council is now asking residents to make representations on whether the revised plan is legally compliant and meets the tests of ‘soundness’ set out in national planning policy. The Local Plan is due to be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination by the end of 2024, underlining why Croydon Local Plan progress at this stage is seen as particularly significant.
Local councillors have highlighted the importance of having an up-to-date and robust Local Plan, especially in light of potential changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. A clear and defensible plan strengthens the council’s position in planning appeals, provides certainty for communities and investors, and ensures that growth is guided rather than driven by speculative development.
For residents, the next phase offers another opportunity to influence how Croydon grows. Consultation materials are available online, as well as in physical locations such as libraries and the Urban Room in the Whitgift Centre. Community input will continue to inform decisions on issues ranging from housing design and infrastructure to the protection of local green spaces.
With Croydon Local Plan progress now firmly moving forward, the council says continued community involvement will remain central to shaping a borough that balances growth with character, sustainability and local identity over the coming decades.
