A car showroom in South Croydon could be demolished to make way for 75 new homes. 

Initial plans from developer Ironwood Works were heard at Croydon Council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday (November 6). 

The pre-application is for 443A Brighton Road, currently home to Robins and Day care dealership. 

As well as 75 homes containing between one and three bedrooms, there would be 25 parking spaces and 398 msq of commercial space. 

Of the homes 30 per cent are set to be affordable. 

Chris Levett from architects, DLA Design, told the meeting: “It is within a zone three flood zone and the design of the building has had to take that into account in quite a few ways to make that acceptable

“The main constraint of the site is the noise and pollution from Brighton Road, it is a busy road. We’ve incorporated that into the design.

“The big opportunity the site brings is good quality homes and quite a large area of green amenity space for residents.”

Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown ward member, Councillor Simon Hoar,  suggested the commercial space being used as a GP surgery or a gym.

He added: “This road was historically residential and it was only in the eighties these care show rooms were built and they knocked down the houses that were there. 

“I’d quite like to see it get to a more residential feel along the road, especially as surrounding it is housing as well.”

But he thinks that at seven storeys it is a bit too tall as it would make it the biggest building in the area. 

As this was just a pre-application no decision was made on the plans.

But developers will take the feedback of the planning committee before submitting final plans.

Councillors suggestions include:

Some members were keen to see an extra floor if it meant more affordable housing was provided.

Most councillors wanted to see the use of different building materials to “break up the massing”

There was debate about whether 25 parking spaces is enough and most said they would like to see more if it could be fitted into the site

Concerns about air quality on the busy road were raised and the committee welcomed any design techniques that could improve this for occupants.