Croydon Council is considering a developer's plans to build 138 homes on the site of a former lido, targeting a long-derelict plot on Waddon Way that still retains its original Grade II listed diving platform. The pre-application proposals from Bellway include more than 20 per cent affordable housing, alongside additional parking provision. However, despite the need for new homes, councillors have raised concerns that the development could worsen congestion in the surrounding area if it secures future planning approval.
History of the site
Developer Bellway has owned the site at 89 Waddon Way since 2021, after the council formally allocated it for residential redevelopment. The site previously hosted the art deco Purley Way Lido from 1935 until 1979, when it closed down due to increased maintenance costs and falling attendance. The site then featured a Hilton Hotel, constructed in 1981, which filled in most of the pool. The pool's former diving board later secured Grade II listed status in 2013 for its architectural significance. More recently, a garden centre and cafe were located on the site before they too closed down, leaving the plot in state of disrepair ever since.
Community concerns and support
During a discussion of the pre-application at a planning committee meeting on July 2, Waddon Councillor Elilly Ponnuthurai revealed that the site had recently become an eyesore and a magnet for anti-social behaviour. However, she noted that residents at a recent community event spoke fondly of the former cafe and were united in their desire to see the site brought back into use. Following previous failed attempts to secure planning permission for larger schemes of 180 and then 149 homes, Bellway is now seeking approval for a reduced 138-home proposal. The scheme would include four, four-storey blocks, landscaping, and a publicly accessible park centred around the Grade II listed diving platform.
Design criticism and calls for improvement
Fellow Waddon Councillor Rowenna Davis also welcomed the redesign, stating that the plans being put to the committee are a "big improvement" on previous proposals. However, she suggested the inclusion of some commercial space would be welcome, as Waddon lacks a high street retail area. The proposed four flat roofed blocks drew criticism for their apparent design "uniformity", which some committee members felt was out of character in an area dominated by family homes. Committee Chair Ian Parker commented: “If you have seen one of these blocks, I think you have seen them all. I just feel there has been little imagination gone into it.” Meanwhile, some members agreed that they would like to see more of an art deco influence on the site to make it a "distinctive development".
Affordable housing debate
Councillors also disagreed over the increase in affordable housing to 20 per cent - representing 87 homes available for social rent. Councillor Mark Johnson argued against prioritising one-bedroom flats over three-bedroom houses, saying: “I don’t think this is what Croydon needs.” Councillors Johnson and Parker also suggested they would accept a potential reduction in the affordable housing quota if it meant the inclusion of a community or neighbourhood centre in the new development. However, Councillor Stuart King strongly disagreed, highlighting the significant need for affordable homes in the borough.
Parking and traffic concerns
The pre-application plans include 54 parking spaces alongside more than 150 cycle spaces on site. Yet, councillors felt the influx of new residents, combined with the limited parking provision, could place additional pressure on parking in the surrounding area, particularly given Waddon’s relatively poor public transport links. Members recalled past traffic queues and congestion caused by a temporary driving test centre at the Hilton, warning that the development is likely to increase pressure on the local road network and that additional parking measures may be required. The committee also urged the developer to think “beyond the red line” of the application site by helping to tackle wider issues such as fly-tipping and litter at the nearby Purley Way Playing Fields.
Bellway is now expected to return to the planning committee with a full planning application, which will require formal approval before the development can proceed.
