Replacing a two-storey house with a block of nine flats in Kenley would ‘destroy family housing’.

That’s the claim of Croydon South MP Chris Philp who’s been joined by more than 70 local people in objecting to the application for the house in Hermitage Road being demolished to make way for the three-storey building

The plans from Aventier Ltd received 59 objections and a further 15 when plans were amended. There were no supporting comments each time.

Concerns range from the impact on nature, including fox dens and deer, to concerns about traffic in the area.

MP Chris Philp said: “This is yet another example of an application that destroys family housing and changes the character of the area.

“Sadly, Croydon’s Labour council has been giving planning consent indiscriminately to these schemes, passing 90-95% of the applications they see.

“I hope, on this occasion, they will reject it.”

He added that concreting over green space to make way for parking would change the look of the area.

“One of the nice things about our part of the borough is it is green,” he said.

“I strongly oppose that loss of green space.”

A report outlines objections to the proposal, including increasing traffic to the road, off Kenley Lane. 

It highlights one comment: “Kenley Lane is single track and traffic conditions are already hazardous.

“Adverse impact on highway safety due to increase in volume of vehicles using  Kenley Lane, increase street parking and increase number of vehicles  entering and leaving the site.”

Others were concerned that there was not enough public transport in the area and not enough parking spaces.

But the officers’ report set to be heard by the planning committee said: “Therefore, having considered all of the above, against the backdrop of housing need, officers are of the opinion that the proposed development would comply with the objectives of the above policies in terms of respecting local character. ”

The flats will be made up of seven two-bedroom flats, one three bedroom and another one bedroom, all for private sale.

It will include six parking spaces and 18 bicycle parking spaces as well as outdoor space and a children’s play area.

Despite the objections the application is recommended for approval.

The council’s planning committee will discuss the plans at a meeting on Thursday, January 17, which will take place at Croydon Town Hall from 6.30pm.