This week in Merton:

Redevelopment Plans for Mitcham Morrisons Site Under Scrutiny

The Merton Council Design Review Panel met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, to consider a significant pre-application for a residential-led mixed-use development at the site of the former Morrisons supermarket in Mitcham town centre. This project, identified as Site Allocation Mi8 within the council's Local Development Framework proposals, aims to transform a key area of Mitcham.

A Second Look at a Controversial Scheme

This was not the first time the Design Review Panel had examined plans for this site. A previous review on February 26, 2025, resulted in a RED verdict, indicating substantial concerns. The purpose of this latest meeting was to assess updated plans before they are formally submitted as a planning application. The panel, including Case Officer Wendy Wong-Chang, heard presentations from the applicant and engaged in discussions to evaluate the scheme's merits.

The development is situated in the Figges Marsh ward. While the site is not within a Conservation Area or adjacent to any Listed Buildings, the agenda noted potential archaeological interest, classified as Tier 2 Archaeology.

The panel's detailed notes from pre-application reviews are not typically made public. However, once a full planning application is submitted, these notes, along with all other planning documents, become accessible through the council's Planning Explorer system.

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This week in Merton:

Council Convenes for Annual Meeting: Mayor, Leader, and Budget Decisions Loom

Merton Council held its Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, a crucial session that sets the tone for the borough's governance and financial planning for the year ahead. The meeting, which took place at Merton Civic Centre, NW10 5XL, was scheduled to elect the Mayor and Leader of the Council, establish the structure of council committees, and, most significantly, debate and approve the Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-30.

Setting the Leadership and Governance Structure

The meeting began with the formal election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2026/27 municipal year, followed by the election of the Leader of the Council. These appointments are fundamental to the council's operational leadership. A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to the constitution of various committees and other bodies for the upcoming year. This includes appointing members to key committees like the Development and Planning Applications Committee and the Licensing Committee, which make decisions directly impacting residents' lives and local businesses.

A proposed amendment by the Liberal Democrats aimed to enhance the independence and effectiveness of the scrutiny function, suggesting that opposition groups should have a greater role in chairing scrutiny committees. This reflects a broader debate in local government about ensuring robust oversight of executive decisions.

The Crucial Budget Debate: Services and Council Tax

The most impactful item on the agenda was the Council's Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-30. This is where the council outlines how it will fund essential services and manage its finances over the next four years. For residents, this means understanding potential changes to their Council Tax bills and the impact on services such as social care, waste collection, parks, and libraries.

The proposed budget included a freeze in the general Council Tax for 2026/27, but this was coupled with a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept. This specific increase is designed to address the growing demand and costs associated with supporting vulnerable adults, including the elderly and those with disabilities. The combined effect would result in a Band D Council Tax of £1,630.01 for the year.

The debate was expected to be robust, with contributions from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ross Garrod, and the leaders of the opposition groups, including Councillor Anthony Fairclough (Liberal Democrat) and Councillor Edward Foley (Merton Park Independent Residents Group). Their speeches would have highlighted differing priorities and concerns regarding spending, service provision, and the overall financial health of the borough.

The budget decisions have a direct and tangible impact on the most vulnerable in our community. For instance, funding for social care services directly affects the quality of life and support available to elderly residents and those with long-term health conditions. Similarly, decisions on parks and leisure facilities impact community well-being and access to green spaces for all residents.

The meeting also covered the Capital Investment Programme, the Treasury Management Strategy, and the Council's Strategy for the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts, all of which are critical for the council's long-term financial stability and its ability to invest in infrastructure and services.

Other Key Decisions

The Calendar of Meetings 2026/27 was also approved, formalising the schedule for council business throughout the year. Additionally, the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027 and the Members Allowances Scheme for 2026-27 were addressed, outlining policies on senior staff pay and councillor remuneration. Reports on the recruitment of Chief Officers and the appointment of an Independent Person were also part of the agenda, ensuring the council has the necessary leadership and oversight in place.

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Other Matters

Council Constitution and Committee Structure Finalised

The Annual Council Meeting also involved the formal adoption of the council's constitution and the agreement of the terms of reference for various committees. This procedural step is essential for the smooth functioning of local government, defining how decisions are made and by whom. The allocation of seats to political groups on these committees ensures representation across the council's elected members.

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This week in Merton:

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Postponed: Key Decision on Alcohol Sales in Mitcham Delayed

A crucial meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee, scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026, was postponed. The committee was set to consider a significant application to vary the premises licence for Friends Food & Wine, located at 172b Church Road, Mitcham, CR4 3BW. This decision held considerable weight for the local community, particularly concerning public safety and the prevention of alcohol-related disorder.

The Application: Extended Hours and Condition Changes

The applicant, Mr Velautham Sivakumar, sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from the current 07:00 to 23:00 daily to a much later 07:00 to 01:00 the following day, seven days a week. Furthermore, the application proposed the removal of three specific conditions from the existing licence:

• No beers, lagers, or ciders above 6% ABV to be sold.
• No single cans or bottles of beer, lager, or cider to be sold.
• No spirits to be sold in bottles of less than 20cl.

These proposed changes are particularly concerning as the premises is situated within the Mitcham Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). Merton's Cumulative Impact Policy¹ is specifically designed to address issues of crime, disorder, public nuisance, and public safety that arise from a high concentration of licensed premises.

Objections Raised: Police and Licensing Authority Concerns

Both the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police Service submitted representations opposing the application. The Metropolitan Police argued that extending the hours and removing the existing conditions would directly undermine the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. They highlighted that the current conditions were put in place to combat street drinking, anti-social behaviour, and crime, and their removal would likely lead to an increase in these issues. The police also pointed out that extending alcohol sales until 01:00 within a CIZ would coincide with peak policing demand and extend opportunities for vulnerable individuals to consume alcohol.

The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, stating that the application failed to address the Cumulative Impact Policy. They noted that the applicant's justification for the changes, citing competition from neighbouring businesses, is not a relevant consideration for promoting licensing objectives. The authority concluded that this was an alcohol-led proposal that would deliberately add to the cumulative impact in the area by increasing the availability of alcohol often favoured by street drinkers.

Applicant's Case: Business Survival

The applicant's statement argued that the requested changes were essential for the business's survival and its ability to compete with other local premises. Mr Sivakumar stated that he had maintained a good record since becoming the licence holder and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), with no breaches of licensing objectives. He also indicated that a robust set of conditions would remain in place to promote the licensing objectives.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider these competing arguments and determine the application. The potential outcomes could have significantly impacted the local environment, affecting the safety and well-being of residents, particularly those in the vicinity of the premises. The postponement means this decision, and its potential real-world consequences, are now delayed.

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This week in Merton:

• The Cabinet met to discuss the Merton Legacy Fund, the council's fleet strategy, and active travel plans.
• The Joint Consultative Committee with Ethnic Minority Organisations was scheduled to discuss the council's strategy for tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.

Cabinet - Monday 16 March 2026

The Merton Council Cabinet met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss a range of significant initiatives. Key decisions included the approval of the Merton Fleet Strategy 2026-2030, which aims to transition the council's vehicle fleet to net-zero emissions by 2030, and the adoption of Merton's first Walking, Wheeling & Cycling Strategy (WWCS) for 2026-2035, designed to promote active travel. The Cabinet also reviewed the Period 10 financial monitoring report for 2025/26 and considered capital expenditure for the Highways Capital Programme 2026/27.

Merton Legacy Fund Update

The Cabinet received an update on the Merton Legacy Fund, a £15 million initiative funded by capital receipts from the sale of CHAS in 2023. This fund is earmarked for major capital projects intended to leave a lasting legacy in Merton. The report indicated that a public vote had identified Breathing new life into public spaces as the most popular theme. Projects under this theme include the development of rain gardens, enhancements to the Womble-themed library, additional street lighting, outdoor gyms, park playground upgrades, a pump track in Morden Park, a basketball court, and community co-designed park improvements. This fund represents a significant investment in enhancing the borough's public realm and community facilities.

Merton Fleet Strategy 2026-2030

A key decision was the proposed Merton Fleet Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy outlines the council's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions for its fleet by 2030. It encompasses council-owned vehicles, contract-operated service vehicles, and hired vehicles. The strategy includes a phased procurement plan for up to 147 vehicles between 2025 and 2030, with an approved capital allocation of £18.67 million. Crucially, it also addresses the development of essential charging infrastructure, with plans for new charging stations at the Civic Centre and the redevelopment of the Amenity Way depot. The Cabinet recommended the approval of the Fleet Strategy and the expenditure of £15,879,510 on fleet vehicles, a significant step towards environmental sustainability.

Walking, Wheeling & Cycling Strategy

The Cabinet was set to consider the adoption of Merton's first Walking, Wheeling & Cycling Strategy (WWCS) for the period 2026-2035. This strategy aims to make active travel a more appealing and accessible option for all residents. Developed through extensive public consultation, the strategy incorporates new action themes such as Safer walking, wheeling and cycling journeys and Active Travel and Green Spaces. A capital allocation of £1.8 million has been set aside within Merton's approved Capital Programme to support the initial three years of the strategy's implementation. This initiative aligns with national and local efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce carbon emissions.

Highways Capital Programme 2026/27

The Cabinet was asked to approve capital expenditure of £5.316 million for the 2026/27 Highways Capital Work Programme. This programme focuses on carriageway and footway renewal, street lighting improvements, and works on bridges and structures. The report emphasised the importance of the highway network as Merton's most valuable asset. The proposed programme aims to shift towards a planned maintenance approach, moving away from reactive repairs, in line with the 'Well Managed Highway Infrastructure' Code of Practice and Merton's Highway Asset Management Plan. Funding for this programme includes Merton's capital allocation and £1.544 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) Highways Maintenance Block.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Surface Water Management Plan

The meeting was scheduled to address the adoption of Merton's Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) and an updated Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). These documents detail the council's approach to managing flood risk over the next decade. The LFRMS clarifies responsibilities for flood risk management, while the SWMP identifies areas vulnerable to surface water flooding and outlines actions to mitigate this risk, including the use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and nature-based solutions. Both plans have been developed with input from public consultation.

Period 10 Financial Monitoring Report

The Cabinet received the period 10 financial monitoring report for 2025/26. The report indicated a forecast revenue underspend of £0.132 million, an improvement from the previous period. However, it also highlighted significant financial pressures, particularly in demand-led services such as adult and children's social care and homelessness, with substantial increases in temporary accommodation costs. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) remained in deficit, although government funding was announced to address high-needs deficits. The report also noted the potential impact of the Local Government Funding Review.

Joint Consultative Committee with Ethnic Minority Organisations - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Joint Consultative Committee with Ethnic Minority Organisations of Merton Council was scheduled to discuss the council's strategy for tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and receive an update on immunisation uptake.

Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy

A significant portion of the scheduled discussion was dedicated to Merton Council's strategy for tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The strategy outlines a vision to end VAWG through a multi-agency action plan, focusing on changing attitudes, improving safety, early identification, supporting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable. The report defined VAWG and acknowledged its various forms, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harmful practices. It detailed the national and regional context, referencing policies such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the cross-government strategy Freedom from Violence and Abuse. The strategy also addressed the recognition and support of male victims of domestic abuse and highlighted the prevalence of VAWG in Merton. It outlined five partnership priorities: changing attitudes and behaviours, improving safety, early identification and help, supporting victims and their children, and holding perpetrators to account.

Immunisation Uptake

The committee was scheduled to receive a verbal update on immunisation uptake.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee was also scheduled to review the minutes of its previous meeting, which included discussions on co-production strategies and child poverty.