Earlier this year, KJC Architects submitted an application under permitted development rights to transform Glade Fisheries, located at 25–29 Taunton Lane, into a flat.
The site, on the corner of Taunton Lane and The Glade in Old Coulsdon, sits within a residential area.
The two-storey building currently houses the fish and chip shop on the ground floor with a flat above.
Under the approved plans, the ground floor will be converted into a two-bedroom apartment suitable for up to three people.
Both flats will share a new main entrance, with a secure bin and cycle store to be added at the rear.
Access to the upstairs flat, which is currently through the shop, will be upgraded to a safer, separate entrance.
While no changes will be made to the roof, some windows will be altered to better suit residential use.
The application was submitted through the General Permitted Development Order, which allows certain commercial-to-residential conversions without full planning permission.
Despite this, the plan received 127 objections and no public support.
Among the objectors was the Old Coulsdon Residents’ Association, which said it was “very sad” to see the loss of a “much-loved and long-standing local business”.
A major concern for many was the location’s poor access to public transport.
The site has a PTAL (Public Transport Accessibility Level) rating of 1b, which is one of the lowest possible scores—indicating limited connectivity by bus or train.
In response, the developers argued that while the PTAL rating is low, the property is within a 20-minute bus journey of Coulsdon South, Coulsdon Town, Reedham, and Purley train stations.
They also highlighted the inclusion of storage for four bicycles and an accessible cycle space to help reduce reliance on cars.
In their planning statement, KJC Architects maintained that the scheme met all requirements and said there were “no reasons why prior approval cannot be granted”.
Planning officers recognised that the local community did not support the loss of the takeaway but explained that its current use is not protected under Class M of the General Permitted Development Order.
Croydon Council has approved the conversion, which is expected to take place later this year.
