Future of Coulsdon Community Centre to finally be decided

Now a decision is set to be made.

In December last year a planning application was submitted that would partially demolish and rebuild the former CALAT site in 41 Malcolm Road in order to move the CCC.

This would include the erection of a new multi-purpose function hall together with car parking spaces.

But Coulsdon West Councillor Mario Creatura said there was "no compelling case" to spend money relocating the centre.

"It is fine where it is and has served its community very well under its current management committee," he said.

"As the new proposed development is up hill from existing properties there is fear from the many residents who have contact me that they will be able to look down directly into bedrooms and bathrooms of existing properties, seriously affecting privacy and security."

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A final decision will be made at a planning committee meeting on March 22, with the case officer having recommended it for approval.

Noting some of the "key reasons" for the decision, the officer said: "There are no protected land use designations on the site and therefore the principle is acceptable.

"The development would create a community hub within a sustainable location through the re-provision of existing uses to a higher and modern standard."

In total, five residents associations have made representations, with three objection and two supporting the proposal.

The new designs do however have the backing o the CCC, whose support was noted in the officer's report.

If this design is voted through at the meeting, it would open the door to demolish the current community centre and build 33 homes in its place.

A decision will be made on that separate application at the same meeting next Thursday, with the case officer also recommending it be approved.

In total, 48 per cent of those homes would be classed as affordable housing, one of the reasons the officer recommended the way he did.