Resistance grows for skyscraper plans (From Croydon Guardian)

Yet another politically motivated move by Labour. Its very likely the only people involved in this campaign are Labour party members. Menta have already changed their plans so that 2 out of the six skyscrapers have been cut down to 3 floors. Labour have nothing to offer people in Addiscombe except slease and banckruptcy. Some people of course will be fooled by them just like those racists that vote BNP. They are two peas in a pod.

If labour are failing the people in Addiscombe... perhaps it's time for them to make way for another political party me thinks!!

I, for one, will not be signing this petition. Backward people just do not like progress.

Who is going to rent or by those flats? I thought Croydon needed more family friendly living accommodation? There is lot’s of newbuild flats and office spaces at High Street standing empty as we speak, so is there really a market for more space of the same kind? If not - who will pay for the bill? I am all for renewing and developing but there has to be some sense to it all.

Why are people do against the development of Croydon....The place is in desperate need but the plans just keep getting delayed! I wish they would just get on with it and build the new buildings

ANNE GILES wrote:
I, for one, will not be signing this petition. Backward people just do not like progress.

What an ignorant, offensive and ill informed comment to make.

I live in Cedar road and was fully for the Croydon gateway as I saw this as 'progress', sadly the character-less Ruskin square development won the race.

However if you study the facts this development is a very cynical ploy to line Mentas pockets and for the council to attempt achieve their 'put croydon on the map' landmark building having failed miserably with the Gateway.

I am all for progress but this scheme is wrong on so many counts.

My objections include:

1. The height of the proposed buildings does not respect the surrounding area, particularly the houses on Cedar Road and Oval Road. The development would be amongst the tallest buildings in London and overlook the housing in the above mentioned areas. All four skyscrapers will be taller than the NLA tower.

2. The development would drastically increase the population density of the area to around 45 times more people per hectare than the current Croydon borough average.

3. There is not sufficient parking for the number of flats proposed and this could affect the ability of existing residents to park near their homes. In some roads, particularly Cedar Road, this is already a challenge which the new development will only make worse. According to figures 76 spaces will be for commercial use and 297 for residential of which 50 are for car club usage. That means only 247 people will get a parking space out of over 1,000 homes.

4. The development would result in an increase in the number of people using East Croydon station, particularly those who will work in the office developments. However, there is no measures to increase the capacity of the ticket area which is already inadequate and subject to severe delays throughout the day, not just at peak periods. Furthermore, Menta has already accepted that the development would result in a wind tunnel effect at East Croydon station in the winter months.

5. The changes of the taxi provision will make it extremely difficult for taxis to provide an effective service to the station.

6. The development proposes less than 5% social housing. At a time when there is a credit crunch and people cannot afford to get on the housing ladder, the provision of social housing is a vital part of any development to enhance social cohesion.

7. Furthermore, the nature of the development with over 60% being studios and one bed flats aimed at childless couples or single people will result in a high transitionay level therefore negate any attempts to develop a local community with others within the Addiscombe area.

8. Local residents in Lower Addiscombe Road and Addiscombe Road have expressed their concerns that lorries will be using their roads at high volume over a period of around five years to and from the site which will have a detrimental impact on quality of life in the area.

9. Cherry Orchard Road area will not benefit from the development with a loss of trade for local businesses currently being impacted on by the credit crunch. Instead, the proposals appear to be to focus funding towards the town centre.

10. Loss of established mature trees and open space in Cherry Orchard Gardens.