Croydon Council planning officers have recommended approval for a major Travis Perkins builders' merchant at Selsdon Goods Yard in South Croydon, despite acknowledging that operational noise could exceed existing background levels by between 16dB and 25dB. In their official report, officers stated that residents near the site “cannot reasonably expect” a quiet environment due to its industrial designation, a stance that has drawn criticism from neighbours who submitted 28 formal objections and no letters of support.
Residents' Concerns Over Noise and Safety
Residents living near the South Croydon industrial site have raised concerns over plans for the site to operate throughout the day, warning of “noise and disturbance to residents from operations including vehicle, machinery and plant”. The proposed development would see the site, which has sat vacant in recent years, transformed into a builders' merchant operating from early morning until late evening.
Independent noise assessments cited in the planning report found that operational noise from the development could exceed existing background noise levels by between 16dB and 25dB. A survey found existing daytime noise levels at the site ranged from 34dB to 41dB, falling to between 24dB and 29dB at night. Planning officers acknowledged that the predicted increase in noise “would ordinarily be readily perceptible” and could have “adverse effects on neighbouring occupiers”.
However, they argued that the Selsdon Road site's industrial designation meant residents could not “reasonably expect the same level of tranquillity” as those living in a wholly residential area. In the papers, officers argued that a certain level of noise is “an expected characteristic of the area”.
Mitigation Measures and Conditions
Initially, developer TP Property Company proposed starting operations from 6.30am, which triggered fierce backlash from neighbours who warned that “6.30am opening hours is too early”. Residents also highlighted safety risks to pupils at nearby St Peter’s Primary School and Harris Primary Academy, raising concerns over a “heightened risk to school children” and fears that regular HGV movements would “impede school drops”.
To address these concerns, planning officers have recommended conditions that would require Travis Perkins to push the site's opening hours back. Under the recommended conditions, the builders' merchant would not be permitted to open before 7am on weekdays or 8am on Saturdays, bringing its hours in line with other local businesses.
The council has also secured a Noise Management Plan to mitigate disturbance. The plan requires all forklifts operating on the site to be electric and fitted with broadband “white noise” reversing alarms. HGV loading will be restricted to screened areas, while external storage racking will be capped at 6.7 metres to reduce visual impact and help contain noise. Travis Perkins has also committed to limiting vehicle movements during school-run hours.
Economic Benefits and Sustainability
The developers argue the £6 million scheme would provide an economic boost to the underused site, which has sat vacant in recent years. It is also expected to create 35 full-time jobs, up from the three staff previously employed there. The project is also designed to be highly sustainable through the use of solar panels and air-source heat pumps.
Croydon Council’s Planning Committee will decide whether to approve the plans at its meeting on Thursday 20 August. If approved, the development would proceed with the recommended conditions in place, aiming to balance economic benefits with mitigations for local residents.
