Work on block of “affordable” homes near East Croydon railway station to begin in April 2021

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Work on a new block of affordable homes near East Croydon railway station is set to start in April next year.

The new nine-storey block of 116 flats is planned for Cherry Orchard Road.

An initial plan from Henley Homes Group was approved in 2018 for 120 flats, including 36 affordable homes.

But an amended application submitted in February this year reduced the total number to 116 – and offered them all as affordable housing.

It will be made up of one, two and three-bedroom apartments on the site of a former industrial depot.

The amendments have also seen a five-bedroom and studio flats scrapped from the scheme.

The developer is teaming up with housing provider Optivo and the new flats are part of the East Croydon master plan, which brings together a number of developments near the station.

Richard White, director of land and new business at Optivo, said: “It will be set across two linked blocks, with communal resident gardens at ground level and secure cycle and refuse storage.

“The homes will enjoy a contemporary specification and many will benefit from balconies and gardens, while 11 units will be wheelchair accessible.”

It is expected that the flats will be completed by April 2023.

Pictured top: An artist’s impression of the block, to be built in Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon