Croydon Council has drawn up plans to revitalise South Norwood High Street with a £1million investment as part of Historic England’s government-funded Street Heritage Action Zone programme.

From now until 17 February, Croydon Council is consulting the public on a new draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) for South Norwood. The council hopes the scheme will regenerate the area and protect the High Street for future generations.

South Norwood High Street is a historic mainstay in the borough, but residents are concerned about its current level of disrepair and that it was rated amongst the “unhealthiest” streets in London.

The CAAMP highlights the area’s rich history, and sets out plans to protect its unique character and ensure that the High Street thrives now and in the future.

It includes guidelines for future change in the area, and will inform local projects, planning decisions and future management. Changes are also proposed to the boundaries of the Conservation Area, to make sure important buildings and streets are included and can benefit from careful management.

Historic England said: “Years of economic decline have taken their toll on the look and feel of the High Street and many shops are vacant. Narrow, cluttered footpaths, traffic congestion and a busy road junction distract from the High Street’s attractive heritage architecture.”

South Norwood was originally created as a stop on the Croydon Canal, which opened in 1809. The expansion of the railway led to the development of houses businesses, and by 1870 the High Street was flourishing.

William Stanley, a local inventor, ran a nearby factory, funded educational projects, and left his estate to local schools. He also, famously, designed and built Stanley Halls, the popular arts and community centre, which is now Grade II listed.

Councillor Oliver Lewis, Croydon’s cabinet member for culture and regeneration, said: “Anyone who visits South Norwood knows it’s a special place – the High Street is the beating heart of the community and much valued by residents.

“The Heritage Action Zone programme is a unique opportunity to make sure it thrives, and to provide important support for our local businesses and wider community.

“The new management plan is an important step in this, and we want it to reflect local people’s priorities and needs, and so I encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation.”

A public meeting will be held from 5pm-8pm on 25 January at café No.241 Norwood in Selhurst Road. There will be a short presentation and display, and council officers will be on hand to answer questions.

The public consultation is available at www.croydon.gov.uk/heritagenews until 17 February. The document can be viewed online and there are print copies available at council libraries, including South Norwood Library, and selected locations around South Norwood. The document will also be available at the council offices by appointment only. To view the document at the council offices email ldf@croydon.gov.uk to arrange a suitable time. Comments can be made by: Comments can be made by:

• completing a questionnaire at croydon.gov.uk/heritagenews
• emailing ldf@croydon.gov.uk with the subject title “South Norwood Conservation Area Review”
• posting to Spatial Planning Service, 6th Floor Zone B, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA.