Croydon Council has confirmed that final planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of up to 340 new homes on the Regina Road estate in South Norwood, marking a significant step forward for one of the borough’s largest housing projects in decades.
The plans received unanimous approval from Croydon’s planning committee in October and successfully passed a two-stage review by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in December. The project has also been awarded £54 million in grant funding, underscoring the scale and ambition of the scheme.
Lovell has been confirmed as the preferred contractor for the redevelopment, with construction set to begin later this year following the demolition of 1–87 Regina Road, which is nearing completion. The new homes will replace the existing blocks and include at least 215 council homes, complemented by a range of community-focused amenities such as green open spaces, a multi-use games area, enhanced lighting and security, a new preschool, a community hub, and improved walking and cycling routes.
The redevelopment aims to create a safer, greener, and more welcoming environment that meets the needs of local residents while addressing years of underinvestment on the estate.
Residents have played a central role throughout the planning process. Following serious concerns over living conditions in 2021, a Regina Road resident working group was established to contribute to the programme’s development. Since his election in 2022, Executive Mayor Jason Perry has prioritised resident engagement, ensuring that tenants and leaseholders remain at the heart of Croydon’s housing services. The working group has continued to shape the redevelopment plans through meetings, workshops, and consultations, including participating in the selection of Lovell as the main contractor.
Daniel Blundell, a resident of Regina Road since 2011, said: “It is amazing news that planning permission has finally been given the go‑ahead. I am really excited to watch these new homes being built.”
Cllr Lynne Hale, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, praised the contribution of residents: “We could not have done this without the Regina Road residents who have got behind the regeneration from the start, helping us to shape change that is right for the local area. Your input has helped us to put forward plans to create a wonderful neighbourhood that people are proud to call home.”
Executive Mayor Jason Perry added: “I am committed to creating new, high-quality homes for residents in Regina Road. Reaching this milestone demonstrates how Croydon can overcome the legacy issues it faces. The significant grant and GLA approval show confidence in our plans. Most importantly, we have put residents at the heart of these plans, working with our tenants and leaseholders differently, treating them with respect, and making sure their voices are always part of their housing services.”
The Regina Road redevelopment represents a major investment in Croydon’s housing infrastructure, with the potential to transform the estate into a modern, vibrant community for decades to come.
