Labour’s candidate for Croydon Mayor Valerie Shawcross has criticised Croydon Plan Review timetable in her contribution to the Review consultation.

Val said ‘I am running as the Labour candidate for Executive Mayor on the 5th May 2022 and I hope to be leading the new administration after the elections.  My administration will be very different to the current one. The timing of this series of amendments is completely inappropriate. In the normal run of things decisions that will last for years would never be taken in the run up to a local election’.

She asks that the Local Plan Review process is paused until after the May 5th election and the timetable reviewed to allow more time for residents’ point of view to be taken into account.

Val was particularly critical of the planned new areas of ‘moderate’ intensification – ‘In recent weeks I have received a number of approaches by residents from all parts of the borough expressing deep concern and distress about the proposed increase in intensity of development in designated areas.  There is no doubt  that Croydon needs family housing that is affordable and attractive.  It is imperative however, that this housing  reflects the character of our town.  One of Croydon’s great strengths is the diversity of environments it provides to give residents present and future places to settle that reflect their needs’.

Val backs Croydon’s small green spaces

Valerie is determined to see that Croydon’s small greens and parks are safeguarded.

‘One of the great things about Croydon is its parks and green spaces. Green spaces are vital for peoples’ health and the our planet’s health. The concreting over of Croydon is something that has concerned me for some time’. 

She adds that she is also very impressed with the brilliant work being done by resident volunteers and friends organisations in the smaller parks and open spaces that make a huge contribution to Croydon life.

‘It is vital that we protect the character of Croydon. Croydon is a town with a vibrant urban heart and quiet, pleasant suburbs. There is also some amazing architecture from all periods, and heritage and archaeology that must be safeguarded.  I will be present at the enquiry to make sure we do that.’

‘This plan needs to recognise the needs of residents, businesses and community organisations’ concludes Val. ‘As it stands at the moment, it does not and I intend to make sure that the voices of Croydon’s residents are heard’.