South of Romsey Town Centre Masterplan
24 December 2020Mosiac Place
We were appointed by Thornsett Group plc and Purley Baptist Church to prepare and submit a major planning application for a 17-storey tower culminating in 220 new homes, a retail unit and a new church with publically accessible community facilities. The proposal encompasses a multi-story development on a brownfield site in central Purley, located in the London Borough of Croydon.
Our Solutions
We worked closely with the client to overcome several complex planning matters concerning the proposed development, which is expected to be tallest building in Purley. In doing so, we provided strategic planning solutions in relation to the height of the proposed tower, the impact of the proposal on nearby listed buildings, and the viability of the development, whilst enabling the provision of affordable housing, a new church and a community centre. The proposals were presented to the Design South East Panel on a number of occasions, and work was undertaken to take on the comments received throughout those consultations. In addition, the application was referred to the Greater London Authority who provided their support for the scheme.
The Outcome
While the application received resolution to grant planning permission from Croydon Council in December 2016, it was subsequently called-in by the Secretary of State. The scheme, which was the subject of two major call-in inquiries and a judicial review process, was finally approved by the Secretary of State in July 2020. Throughout the call-in process, we acted as planning consultants, including providing crucial Expert Witness services.
The Secretary of State decision has ensured that this once in a lifetime development opportunity will be realised and will deliver significant benefits to Purley District Centre and the local community.
“Mosaic Place has been a long time in the making. We are delighted that Purley Baptist Church will now be able to look forward to a bright future with a purpose-built church and facilities to support their growing congregation and outreach activities. Both they and Thornsett Group have worked extremely hard to come up with a landmark scheme in Mosaic Place, which we are confident will revitalise Purley and create spin-off prosperity for the rest of the town centre.”
– Rob Pearson, Executive Director
