Croydon's Overgrown 'Jungle' House Sparks Neighbour Outcry and Pest Infestation
Residents on a quiet street in Croydon are expressing frustration over an abandoned house that has transformed into a dense, overgrown "jungle," causing significant distress and attracting pests. The property at 17 Broomhall Road, located near Purley Oaks and Sanderstead railway stations, has been unoccupied for at least a decade, according to neighbours, who report that it starkly contrasts with the otherwise family-friendly surroundings.
Neighbourhood Blight and Health Concerns
Neighbours describe the house as derelict, with wiry bushes, random tree branches, and ivy covering cracked walls. The fence is in disrepair, leaning into adjacent gardens under the weight of overgrowth. Natalie Smith, a resident living next door with her 11-month-old son, stated, "The back garden is just outrageous," highlighting concerns about rodents and an alarming number of spiders that frequently invade nearby homes.
Roksana Chadzynska, another neighbour, noted that a skulk of foxes has made the garden their home, but they appear sick, raising health and safety risks for children and pets. She said, "It was horrible—they don't look well." The property backs onto the South Croydon allotments, which neighbours believe exacerbates the problem by allowing sycamore seeds to drop and grow into small trees, posing future dangers as they mature.
Failed Efforts and Council Inaction
Despite multiple complaints to Croydon Council's Private Sector Housing Team, enforcement action has not been taken. The council has confirmed it is monitoring the property but has not provided detailed updates due to ongoing investigations. Natalie Smith revealed that neighbours have previously taken matters into their own hands, spending a day cutting down trees three summers ago, but the vegetation regrows rapidly. She added, "In the summer it will come all over the fence."
Residents have also reached out to local Conservative MP Chris Philp, who wrote to the council on their behalf, acknowledging it as an "important issue." Natalie mentioned that her family attempted to purchase the property to spur action, but the request was refused. The front garden has become a littering hotspot, with items like tyres and food tins scattered about, further degrading the area.
Impact on Property and Community
The overgrown house has had tangible effects on neighbouring properties. Natalie Smith recounted, "Before I did my renovation, I had to completely redo my kitchen wall because where the heat of my kitchen met the coldness of her house, the walls were just dripping wet." She described the place as a "complete tear-down."
Residents fear that the neglected appearance could depress property prices on the street. One neighbour commented, "This street is relatively depressed compared to surrounding streets, and who wants to buy a house on a street which looks neglected?" A Croydon Council spokesperson responded, "We understand this must be a concerning situation for residents. We visit regularly to monitor the external condition, and steps are in place to address these concerns."
