London Assembly Member for Croydon and Sutton, Steve O’Connell has today received a letter from the Mayor of London’s office saying that it will not intervene in the decision on a major planning application in his constituency.
The letter from the Mayor’s deputy for government relations, Ian Clement, said that he would leave Croydon Council to make its own decision regarding the application for land adjacent to Croydon Park Hotel:
“I am content to allow Croydon Council to determine the case itself, subject to any action that the Secretary of State may take, and do not therefore wish to direct refusal.”
Welcoming this, Mr O’Connell said:
“This is a welcome decision by the Deputy Mayor of London to allow Croydon Council to make up its own mind on this planning application.
“It is a breath of fresh air following the way the former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone did things.
“It is only right that the local council make these sorts of important decisions.
“This landmark development is a vital piece of Croydon’s regeneration.  Having pledged last week, at Mayor’s Question Time, to support Croydon’s development, Boris Johnson is being true to his word.
“I am sure the people of Croydon will welcome this decision.”