The Planning Committee of Sutton Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026, with Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Planning Committee, presiding. The meeting considered several planning applications, including a proposal for a specialist care facility at 10A Park Hill Road, Wallington, which was recommended for approval despite resident objections. The committee also discussed a proposal for a restaurant and residential units at 33-35 The Broadway, Cheam, which was recommended for refusal due to concerns about its scale, bulk, and housing mix. Finally, the committee addressed an application for refuse and cycle stores at 1-24 Jengar Close, Sutton, which was recommended for approval, and the retention of a change of use to a small HMO at 5 Gainsborough Terrace, Manor Road, Cheam, which was also recommended for approval.

10A Park Hill Road, Wallington, SM6 0SB

The committee considered a proposal for the change of use of the ground floor and basement of 10A Park Hill Road, Wallington, from a three-bedroom residential flat to a three-room specialist care facility for up to three patients requiring home mechanical ventilation. Despite receiving over 10 letters of objection, officers recommended approval, citing the identified need for such a facility and the proposed mitigation measures for noise and environmental impacts. The committee heard from Councillor James Appleby, who questioned the safety applications for storing oxygen tanks, and Councillor Alison Long, who raised concerns about the number of staff and parking. Officers confirmed that the facility would not be a hospital and that noise levels would be kept below background levels. The proposal was ultimately recommended for approval, with conditions to ensure the implementation of acoustic mitigation measures and to restrict construction hours.

33-35 The Broadway, Cheam, SM3 8BL

The committee considered a proposal for the erection of a part one, part two storey rear extension, a dormer extension, and alterations to fenestrations to provide a restaurant at ground floor and six self-contained residential units above. This application was unusual as it had received numerous letters of support, contrary to the officers' recommendation for refusal. Councillor Richard Clifton, Vice Chair of the Planning Committee, questioned the analysis of letters of support and the distinction drawn between Sutton Town Centre and other areas regarding housing mix. The committee heard from objectors who raised concerns about overdevelopment, loss of light, privacy, and overlooking, particularly due to the change in ground levels which was not accurately shown on the plans. The applicant's agent argued that the proposal was a regeneration of a previously developed site and that the design had been amended in response to officer advice. Despite the applicant's arguments, the committee voted to refuse the application, citing reasons related to the overbearing nature of the extension, loss of privacy, and failure to accord with housing mix policies.

1-24 Jengar Close, Sutton, SM1 4DX

The committee considered a proposal for the provision of refuse and cycle stores at 1-24 Jengar Close. This application had been referred to the committee due to receiving over 10 objections, contrary to the officers' recommendation for approval. Councillor James Appleby expressed confusion about the proposal, noting that residents were objecting to the provision of bins when they usually requested more. Councillor Richard Clifton also questioned the need for the proposal, especially given a previous application for extensions had been refused. Residents who spoke in objection highlighted that the current bin storage was sufficient and that the proposed location was problematic, causing potential fire safety issues, noise, and attracting pests. They also raised concerns about a conflict of interest regarding the former chair of their association being involved in the design plans. Councillor Richard Choi, the ward councillor, spoke on behalf of the residents, emphasizing the negative impact of the bin store's location on their amenity. The applicant's agent argued that the proposal was modest and integrated well within the site. After debate, the committee voted to refuse the application, agreeing on reasons related to the impact on residential amenity due to the proximity of the bin store to windows, unpleasant odours, and noise.

5 Gainsborough Terrace, Manor Road, Cheam, SM2 7AE

The committee considered a proposal for the retention of the change of use from Class C3 (residential) to Class C4 (small HMO) to provide four rooms. This application had been referred to the committee due to receiving over 10 objections, contrary to the officers' recommendation for approval. Councillor Richard Clifton, Vice Chair of the Planning Committee, noted that the objectors' concerns about antisocial behaviour and noise were not supported by evidence of existing issues. The applicant's agent highlighted that the property had been let to key workers and families with zero complaints, and that the proposal was to comply with new council requirements. Councillor Sunil Kumar raised concerns about the potential for increased footfall and traffic, and the impact on the neighbourhood. Councillor Alison Long also expressed concerns about the lack of control over future tenants and the potential for negative impacts. Councillor James Appleby, however, stated that he did not have any worries about this particular HMO, noting the lack of issues in the area and the serving of a need. The committee voted to grant planning permission for the retention of the change of use.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the officers and members for their participation.