The Planning Committee of Sutton Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026, discussing several planning applications. Key decisions included the refusal of a proposal for refuse and cycle stores at Jengar Close due to concerns about residential amenity, and the refusal of a mixed-use development at 33-35 The Broadway, Cheam, over concerns regarding its design, scale, and housing mix. The committee also granted planning permission for a specialist care facility at 10A Park Hill Road, Wallington, and approved the retention of a change of use to a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 5 Gainsborough Terrace, Manor Road, Cheam.

Refusal of Refuse and Cycle Stores at Jengar Close

The committee refused the application for refuse and cycle stores at 1-24 Jengar Close, Sutton, SM1 4DX. Despite officers recommending approval, the committee sided with the significant number of resident objections. The primary concern was the proposed location of the bin store, which objectors felt was too close to residential windows and entrances, raising issues of noise, smell, pest infestation, and fire safety. Councillor Richard Choy, the ward councillor, highlighted that the existing bin storage was sufficient and that the proposed location was a disaster for residents. While the applicant argued the stores were necessary for enhanced facilities, councillors were unconvinced, with many stating that the location was problematic and that alternative sites could be found. The decision to refuse was based on the adverse impact on the residential amenity of nearby properties, contrary to Policy 29 of the Sutton Local Plan.

Refusal of Mixed-Use Development at 33-35 The Broadway, Cheam

A proposal for a part one, part two-storey rear extension, dormer extension, and alterations to provide a restaurant and six residential units at 33-35 The Broadway, Cheam, SM3 8BL, was refused. Although there were many letters of support, officers recommended refusal. The committee agreed with the reasons for refusal, citing concerns about the design, scale, and massing of the rear extension, which was considered an overdevelopment and detrimental to the character of the Cheam Village Conservation Area. The proposal was also deemed to have a visually overbearing impact and cause a loss of privacy to neighbouring properties. Furthermore, the development was found to fail to accord with Policy 9 of the Sutton Local Plan, as it did not propose a suitable mix of dwelling sizes, specifically lacking three-bedroom units or two-bedroom, four-person units, which are sought outside of Sutton Town Centre.

Grant of Planning Permission for Specialist Care Facility at 10A Park Hill Road, Wallington

Planning permission was granted for the change of use of the ground floor and basement of 10A Park Hill Road, Wallington, SM6 0SB, from a three-bedroom residential flat to a three-room specialist care facility for up to three patients requiring home mechanical ventilation. Despite over 30 objections, officers recommended approval, highlighting that the development would provide a much-needed community health facility in a sustainable location. Concerns raised by residents regarding noise from medical plant equipment were addressed by the applicant's amended proposal to use an electric battery UPS system instead of a diesel generator, coupled with acoustic mitigation measures. The committee was satisfied that these measures would ensure no adverse noise or air quality impacts on neighbours. The small scale of the facility and its residential nature were considered appropriate for the Area of Special Local Character.

Grant of Planning Permission for HMO Retention at 5 Gainsborough Terrace, Manor Road, Cheam

The committee granted planning permission for the retention of the change of use from a residential dwelling to a four-room House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 5 Gainsborough Terrace, Manor Road, Cheam, SM2 7AE. Although there were 15 objections, officers recommended approval. The committee noted that the change of use involved no external alterations, thus preserving the character and appearance of the property and the surrounding area. Concerns about parking were addressed by a submitted parking survey indicating sufficient capacity in the locality. Objectors had raised issues regarding the concentration of HMOs, but officers confirmed that only one other HMO was within 100 metres, well below the threshold that would trigger policy concerns. The committee was satisfied that the development met housing needs and did not adversely affect residential amenity or highway safety.

Grant of Planning Permission for Refuse and Cycle Stores at Jengar Close

Planning permission was granted for the erection of refuse and cycle stores at 1-24 Jengar Close, Sutton, SM1 4DX. Despite over 20 objections, officers recommended approval. The committee accepted that the proposed stores were incidental to the existing blocks of flats and would be modest in size, integrating well within the site without causing visual harm. Concerns about potential smells, noise, and pest infestation from the bin store were addressed by the Environmental Health Officer, who raised no objection. The Biodiversity Officer also raised no objection regarding hedgehogs, subject to a condition to mitigate potential impacts. The proposal was deemed not to adversely affect parking or highway safety.