Crystal Palace to rehouse neighbours in £100m Selhurst Park stadium redevelopment

Crystal Palace have pledged to help rehouse families whose homes face being bulldozed to make way for its £100 million stadium redevelopment.

The club plan to increase the capacity at Selhurst Park to 34,000, with a new five-storey stand which will require four council houses to be demolished. It will also encroach on the front garden of a privately owned house in a cul-de-sac.

The project is being designed by KSS, the architects behind the redevelopment of sports venues including Anfield, Twickenham and Wimbledon, and features an all-glazed stand.

It will increase the Premier League side’s capacity from 26,000 and overhaul the stadium, which has been the club’s home since 1924. Extra hospitality suites and a museum are also planned.

Residents told of their shock at the proposals, which emerged in a planning application due to be discussed by councillors on Thursday. Golam Choudhury, 57, and his wife Syeda, 50, have lived in their three storey, four-bedroom terrace house for 20 years. Their daughter Julie, 27, said: “It’s a very sad time, all our memories are here and my parents invested so much into making this their home.”

Another resident whose home is at risk said: “I have been living here 17 years. It was quite a bombshell they dropped on us. My main concern is where are they going to put us? My son will have to move school.”

A report by Croydon council said the club was “still exploring ways” in which the design can be altered to minimise the impact on residents.

But it stated: “It is, however, clear that some housing would need to be displaced in order to accommodate the expanded stadium.” A club spokesman said: “Five homes in Wooderson Close will be affected, four of which are council-owned and occupied by tenants, who have been advised by the council that they will need to be relocated if planning permission is granted.

“The club has undertaken to fund the acquisition of suitable properties and to meet the associated costs. The club has contacted the owner of a privately owned, tenanted property which will lose part of its front garden.

“The club’s plans for Selhurst Park are subject to full consultation and all local residents have been invited to public meetings to view the plans.”

The club hopes to start work on the stand next year and finish it by 2022.

A council spokesman said: “The council has been working closely with residents and has visited all of those living in the affected properties.

“Croydon council is clear that suitable alternative accommodation must be found for all residents and any homes lost will need to be replaced.”