The developers behind plans to alter the historic building and grounds of Addington Palace have defended the proposals after the council deferred a decision last month.

Croydon Council's development control committee refused to accept Westmead Business Group's application in December because they involved building a new driveway through public park land containing a children's playground and amending traffic layout in a heavily congested area.

The proposals were to change Addington Palace, a Grade II listed building, to a 19-bedroom hotel and Country Club with significant alterations to the road and parking layout.

Westmead believe the plans represent the best means of conserving the palace and have defending the application.

A spokesperson for Westmead Group's agent, Julian Harrap Architects, said: "The Westmead Business Group has invested heavily in this building since acquiring it in a poor condition. To ensure its ongoing survival as an historic building for the borough and the nation to enjoy, investment must be substantial and ongoing. This will only be possible if the building can be fully utilised."

The proposals would reinstate an original driveway from the lodge on Kent Gate Way through the park to a new parking area on existing tennis courts and away from the palace frontage.

Westmead also claim that when they acquired the lease from the Council it was on condition that the original drive and entrance be restored in line with the current plans.

The application will be amended and reconsidered later this year.