This week in Wandsworth:

Student Housing Approved on Armoury Way Amidst Concerns

The Planning Applications Committee approved an application for student housing at 2 Armoury Way SW18 1SH, despite concerns about the need for additional student accommodation and the size of the units. The decision was made at a meeting on 20 August 2025.

• The Stakes: The decision could impact the local housing market, the character of the neighbourhood, and the well-being of students living in the accommodation.
• Need for Accommodation Questioned: Councillor Stephen Worrell questioned the necessity of additional student housing, citing existing developments and expressing concern that the accommodation would primarily serve the Royal Academy of Dance and the Royal College of Art.
• Flexibility Praised: Councillor Finna Ayres initially opposed the plan due to concerns about a monoculture but was eventually won over by the building's flexible design, which would allow for future conversion to other uses.
• Unit Size Criticized: Councillor Ayres also raised concerns about the small size of the units, particularly the 16 square metre single bedrooms, calling it embarrassing.
• Accessibility Concerns: Councillor Ayres criticised the limited number of parking spaces for disabled residents, arguing that it was discriminatory.
• Traffic Worries: Councillor Guy Humphreys expressed scepticism about the adequacy of servicing arrangements, particularly with the combination of industrial units and limited parking bays.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: Councillor Sara Apps raised concerns about potential antisocial behaviour in the public realm and asked about measures to design out such issues.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Rory Coakley asked whether the affordable units would be a mix of different types or only the smaller, compact ones.
• The Vote: The decision was passed with 7 councillors in favour and 2 against.

Nine Elms Hotel Project Gets Green Light for Phased Opening

The Planning Applications Committee unanimously approved a variation to a Section 106 agreement relating to land at Nine Elms Lane, allowing the phased occupation of two approved hotels. The decision was made at a meeting on 20 August 2025.

• The Stakes: The variation allows the hotels to open sooner, potentially boosting the local economy and providing jobs.
• Long Stop Date: The updated agreement includes a long stop date of December 2028 to ensure all expected benefits are delivered.
• Councillor Reassurance: Councillor Humphreys sought reassurance that the variation wouldn't allow the applicant to deliver half the scheme and still not deliver the public benefit part of it.

Culvert Road Shared Living Development Moves Forward

The Planning Applications Committee unanimously approved a Section 106 deed of variation for 3 Culvert Road SW11 5AU, concerning a development of shared living units. The decision was made at a meeting on 20 August 2025.

• The Stakes: The variation aims to unlock a stalled development and provide much-needed housing in the area.
• Increased Payment: The variation involves increasing the payment in lieu for affordable housing to £8.03 million and removing a late stage viability review, in order to comply with London Plan policy H16 and Wandsworth local plan policy LP23.
• Councillor Concerns: Councillor Worrell raised concerns about the financial viability of the current owners and the height of the proposed building.

Other Matters

• The Planning Applications Committee voted to confirm two tree preservation orders:
  • TPO 507/2025 - 70 Thurleigh Road SW12 8UD (Balham)
  • TPO 508/2025 - Rear of 48 Manville Road SW17 8JN (South Balham)

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Licensing Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/77727) - Thursday 04 September 2025
• Regulatory Licensing Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/77732) - Thursday 04 September 2025
• Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/77731) - Thursday 04 September 2025

This week in Wandsworth:

Bad Habits Licence Under Review Following Resident Complaints

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider a review of the premises licence for Tequila Mockingbird, now operating as Bad Habits Club, at 46 Battersea Rise. You can read the full transcript here.

• The Stakes: Residents, represented by the Hafer Road Neighbourhood Watch, sought revocation of the licence, citing failures to uphold licensing objectives related to crime, disorder, public safety, nuisance, and child protection.
• Resident Concerns: Laurent Kissis, speaking for the Neighbourhood Watch, stated, Same management that caused years of problems as Tequila Mockingbird has now reopened, operating on the Bad Habits Club. Same location, same issues, different name.
• Applicant's Response: Felix Faulkner, representing the licence holder Jonathan Bass, argued that the premises had been refurbished and rebranded, attracting a different clientele. He also highlighted the absence of representations from responsible authorities like the police and Environmental Health.
• Marketing Under Fire: The committee questioned the bar's marketing materials, which included phrases like A place for rule-breakers and Where anything goes.
• What's Next? The sub-committee will issue its decision in writing within five working days, outlining the reasons and any rights of appeal. Options range from taking no further action to revoking the licence.

Putney High Street Alcohol Sales Extension Faces Opposition

The Licensing Sub-Committee also considered an application from Inventure Putney Limited to extend the hours for alcohol sales at Best One, 169 Putney High Street, until 2:00 AM daily. You can read the full transcript here.

• The Stakes: The decision could impact local residents, who may experience increased noise and disturbance during late-night hours.
• Environmental Concerns: An Environmental Services Officer objected, stating that the extension would exceed the council's guideline policy hours and potentially lead to public nuisance.
• Applicant's Defense: Graeme Hopkins, representing the applicant, argued that the extension was necessary to meet customer needs and that robust conditions were in place to prevent disturbances.
• Past Incident: The applicant, Rohit Amipara, admitted that there was an incident in 2022 where a fight broke out between drunk customers, which led to a voluntary reduction in hours.
• What's Next? The sub-committee will issue its decision in writing within five working days, outlining the reasons and any rights of appeal.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Planning Applications Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/77179) - Wednesday 20 August 2025
• Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/77181) - Thursday 21 August 2025

This week in Wandsworth:

Wimbledon Tennis Club Expansion Survives Legal Challenge

The Planning Applications Committee received an update on the judicial review issued by Sabledon Park Limbletid regarding the Deputy Mayor's decision to grant planning permission to Wimbledon Tennis Club. You can read the full report here.

• The Stakes: The legal challenge threatened the expansion plans of the Wimbledon Tennis Club, a project that has drawn both support and opposition from the community.
• The Outcome: The court dismissed the application to challenge the decision on all three grounds.
• Next Steps: Sabledon Park has until August 22nd to apply to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the matter.
• Community Reaction: Councillor Guy Humphreys, Councillor for Southfields in Putney, noted that the Save Women in Park campaign is meeting to decide whether to request an appeal. He also mentioned a separate case about trust issues and a future court date regarding issues between Merton Council and the All England Club.

Affordable Housing Compromised in Penwith Road Development

The Planning Applications Committee approved a variation of conditions for a development at 150a-170 Penwith Road, allowing the reconfiguration of four flats into six, but reducing the number of affordable homes from eight to six. You can read the full report here.

• The Stakes: The decision reduces the amount of affordable housing in the development, potentially impacting low-income residents seeking housing in the area.
• Councillor Dissatisfaction: Councillor Jamie Colclough expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the developer had built a non-compliant unit mix and was now trying to get permission retrospectively. They also noted that the new mix was not compliant with the local plan, which requires around 40% affordable housing.
• Officer Response: Ellen Richards, team leader for the west area, explained that the previous acceptance of a six-unit mix was subject to viability assessments. She added that legal advice suggested enforcement action would be difficult to justify, considering the circumstances and the fact that six units would be affordable.
• Legal Considerations: Duncan Moores, External Legal Advisor, added that trust was not a material planning consideration and that each application must be assessed on its merits. He also stated that a refusal would likely lead to an appeal.
• Why it matters: The decision highlights the challenges of balancing development with the need for affordable housing, and the potential for developers to circumvent planning regulations.

Late-Night Pizza Licence Sparks Noise Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application from Eastend Pizza Ltd to vary the premises licence for Papa John's, 344 Battersea Park Road, seeking to extend the hours for late-night refreshment from 2am to 5am. You can read the full report here.

• The Stakes: The decision could impact residents living near the Papa John's, who may experience increased noise and disturbance from delivery riders and patrons.
• Applicant's Argument: Anshul Khattar, Director of Eastern Peace as a Limited, explained that the extension of hours was necessary due to a shift in business patterns since Covid-19.
• Noise Concerns: Robert Newby Walker, representing the noise team, raised concerns about the potential for noise nuisance from delivery riders, who are not directly controlled by the business. He suggested that operating as a dark store (closed to walk-in customers) would be a wise suggestion.
• No Decision Yet: The committee did not make a decision at the meeting, but will confirm it in writing within five working days.

Thurleigh Road Development Approved Despite Objections

The Planning Applications Committee approved a planning application for 70 Thurleigh Road, despite strong objections from residents. You can read the full report here.

• The Proposal: The application sought permission for the demolition of the existing two-storey dwelling and its replacement with a three-storey plus basement dwelling.
• Resident Objections: Councillor Hedges spoke on behalf of residents, citing procedural impropriety, inconsistencies in the report, and concerns about conservation, residential amenity, environmental damage, construction impact, and policy conflicts.
• Officer Recommendation: Nigel Granger, the east area team manager, recommended approval subject to conditions, stating that the harm caused to the conservation area would be at the very lower end of the less than substantial harm scale.
• Environmental Impact: Councillor Humphreys raised concerns about the impact of the removal of trees, with 90% of the trees on the site being removed.
• Committee Decision: The recommendation to approve the application was approved with five votes in favour and three against.

Other Planning Decisions

The Planning Applications Committee also made the following decisions:

• Approved an application for 7 Blencarn Road, despite objections from a neighbour. You can read the full report here.
• Approved an application for 21 Chetwode Road, concerning a variation of conditions, with five votes in favour and four against. You can read the full report here.
• Confirmed Tree Preservation Orders relating to:
  • St Stephen's Church, Battersea Bridge Road
  • 37 Keswick Road

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/76275) - Thursday 07 August 2025

This week in Wandsworth:

Parks Events Policy Sparks Debate Over Green Space Use

The Cabinet adopted a revised Events in Parks Policy, aiming to balance community events with the protection of green spaces. You can read the full report here.

• The Stakes: The updated policy bans events with over 10,000 attendees (except in Battersea Park) and prohibits large events on Wandsworth Common for over 2,499 people.
• Community Concerns: Peter Rommel, representing the Friends of Tooting Common, sought assurance that excluding large events from Wandsworth Common wouldn't increase pressure for more events on Tooting Common.
• Council's Response: Councillor Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said the policy tightens controls on how commons are used, ensuring a balance between community events and the protection of green spaces. Councillor Deekton added that there was not a risk of displacement of events from Wandsworth Common because there are very few events on Wandsworth Common as it stands.
• Why it matters: The policy aims to protect green spaces while still allowing for community events, but some residents worry about the potential impact on specific parks and commons.

Libraries First! Strategy Aims to Boost Accessibility

The Cabinet approved the new Libraries First! strategy and a two-year contract extension with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to manage Wandsworth's library services. You can read the full report here.

• The Goal: Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said the strategy aims to make libraries more welcoming and accessible to all residents, particularly those who are marginalised or vulnerable.
• Key Initiatives: The strategy includes plans to extend library hours, introduce universal library membership for children, and develop a new library app.
• Community Impact: Councillor Henderson noted that the extension of hours at Roehampton Library had regenerated the community.
• Why it matters: The strategy aims to ensure that libraries remain vital community hubs, offering resources and support to all residents, especially those who need it most.

Winstanley and York Road Regeneration Focuses on Delivery

The Cabinet discussed the Winstanley and York Road Place Programme, with a commitment to deliver on the regeneration of the estate. You can read the full report here.

• Key Commitments: The plan includes building more than 50% affordable housing and moving quickly to bring down Pentafone House.
• Addressing Concerns: Councillor Henderson raised concerns about antisocial behaviour and crime on the estate. Councillor Dikerdem responded that the delay in the regeneration had made the estate less stable, and that the council had to focus on delivery. He outlined measures to improve lighting, CCTV[^44], and the safer neighbourhood team.
• Why it matters: The regeneration aims to improve the quality of life for residents on the estate, providing more affordable housing and addressing issues of crime and antisocial behaviour[^43].

Other Business

• The cabinet approved the Corporate Plan annual refresh.
• Councillor Angela Ireland, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the Quarter 4 Outturn Report, highlighting a 99% achievement of expected general fund capital and an overspend of less than 1% of net spend. She thanked budget holders and the finance team for their work in managing demand and mitigating cost increases. Councillor Henderson praised Councillor Ireland's stewardship of finances, and Councillor Ireland clarified that while the council will be borrowing money, it will be to invest in the borough and will have assets to show for it.
• Councillor Dikerdem introduced the Wandsworth Growth Plan, which focuses on strategic planning around areas of growth in the borough, with specific recognition of Clapton Junction as a growth corridor.
• Councillor Dikerdem also presented an update on the council's approach to damp and mould, formalizing[^56] the in-house damp and mould team and introducing a tablet system[^57] and NEC software system[^58].
• Councillor White spoke about the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme[^2] Phase 4 Award, which will use £4.7 million from central government to fund decarbonisation[^62] projects at Putney Leisure Centre, Oakdene Residential, Gwynneth Morgan, Falcon Grove, and the Town Hall Extension. He also provided a brief resume[^70] of the council's climate change commitments.
• Councillor Dikerdem introduced a plan to purchase a purpose-built[^53] hotel in Tooting Broadway for temporary accommodation[^23] units, which is expected to save the council around £1 million a year. Councillor Akinola expressed nervousness about the plan and offered to work closely with Councillor Dikerdem to address any issues.
• Councillor Henderson introduced a paper on accommodation-based services for adults with mental health support needs, explaining that the contract for the current provider[^54] will be extended for up to three years with an annual review.
• Councillor Ekinola introduced the Wandsworth Equality Objectives 2025-2029, which set out the council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of local government.
• Councillor Dikerdem outlined the core foundational reasons for some of the decisions taken by the cabinet, including the increasing demand pressure on temporary accommodation.
• Councillor Ireland presented the budget variations paper, explaining that the variations are largely being funded through underspends and levies from property developers[^9].

The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee and the Council also met, but no transcripts or videos of the meetings were provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• London Heliport Consultative Group (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74903) - Tuesday 22 July 2025
• Planning Applications Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74904) - Wednesday 23 July 2025: The committee will be reviewing several planning applications, including proposals for new dwellings, alterations to existing buildings, and variations to existing agreements.
• Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74905) - Thursday 24 July 2025: The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet to consider applications for premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003 for Sadaf Express and Sweet Tooth Cafe.