Concerns have been raised that the character of Purley is changing out of all recognition with the building of more flats.

Siva Param has lived in More Close for 29 years and is worried that soon the cul-de-sac will be overrun with flats.

Currently in the road there are two pending applications and round the corner in Foxley Lane and Plough Lane there are flats already being built or recently finished.

The retired accountant thinks that the area will soon become saturated if more applications are approved.

He said: “I think it is a shame to demolish properties that were built only 45 years ago.

“The properties are beautifully maintained with manicured gardens and serve as family homes.

“Any developments in the way of building nine flats per property will change the character of More Close.”

The 77-year-old thinks that more flats being built in the area will encourage others to sell up and move out making way for even more flats.

But adds that he would not blame his neighbours for doing so as developers are offering more money than just selling your home.

Mr Param said: “Very soon we are going to hit a saturation point where the flats will be empty.

“How can young people afford a one bedroom, 600 sq ft flat for more than £300,000.”

But a statement from the applicant wishing to redevelop 3 More Close says: “The layout provides good quality contemporary open plan accommodation in line with Nationally Described Space Standards.

“The design as proposed therefore constitutes a good quality development which will provide additional residential units to Croydon.”

No affordable housing

Mr Param pointed out that because the developments are for nine flats there is no requirement to provide affordable housing – This is for 10 or more flats.

And it is something that was discussed at a planning committee meeting onThursday, February 14.

Plans for another development of nine homes replacing one house in Riddlesdown Road in Purley were approved.

The plans were put forward by Aventier which has three other develpments of nine flats in the same road, including one next door.

Cllr Paul Scott asked whether it could be considered as one scheme with the one next door but this was not possible as it has already been approved.

He added: “Our local plan and the emerging London Plan promote and support the idea of delivering the many additional homes that we require.

“To fit this number of homes in we need bigger buildings.”

But Cllr Jason Perry said he thinks developers are taking advantage of the fact that affordable homes do not need to be provided under 10 flats.

“The number of these schemes coming through just goes to show that developers are playing the system very cleverly,” he said.

“We would like to see more affordable housing.

“I think that Riddlesdown Road is being changed I think that is why local residents are becoming upset about these schemes.”