Another huge tower block will be built in Croydon after being backed by the Mayor of London.

Plans for the 33-storey development in Edridge Road were first approved by the council in May 2020 and this week Sadiq Khan gave it the final green light.

The 159-metre tall apartment block’s plans were changed to reduce its height and ensure views across the town to Croydon Minster were unhindered.

Your Local Guardian: Plans for a new block in Edridge Road, Croydon have been given final approval by Sadiq Khan. Credit: ECA / Croydon Tower 1 Ltd (From the planning portal)Plans for a new block in Edridge Road, Croydon have been given final approval by Sadiq Khan. Credit: ECA / Croydon Tower 1 Ltd (From the planning portal)

The plans from applicant Croydon Tower 1 Ltd will see a part 33, part 11-storey building providing 230 flats built. 

Developments of more than 150 homes and more than 30 metres tall are referred to the mayor.

A letter from Sadiq Khan, dated March 28, reads: “Having now considered a report on this case, I am content to let the local planning authority determine the case itself, subject to any action the secretary of state may take, and do not therefore wish to direct refusal or take over the application for my own determination.”

Original plans were for a 35-storey development, but this was reduced by two floors after concerns about the impact on the view of Croydon Minster raised by Historic England, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and council’s conservation officer.

 The Grade I listed building, founded in Saxon times, marks the historic centre of Croydon’s Old Town.

A report from the GLA said: “As a result of the reduction in height of the proposed building, the development would only just be visible above the parapet line when viewed from Rectory Grove, which is a locally important

view point of the minster as it is the only location from which the full extent of the tower is visible.

“Although the building will still be just visible in the background of the minster above the parapet line in this view, it would no longer obscure the pinnacles and spires, thereby significantly reducing its impact in this view and therefore harm to the setting and significance of this building.

“As a result of these changes, Historic England has withdrawn their objections to the scheme. However, GLA officers do not consider that the development would give rise to harm to viewer’s ability to appreciate the significance of this asset.”