The Wandsworth Borough Council Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday 21 July 2026, deferring a decision on a proposed change of use for Arch 79, Queenstown Road, while approving planning permission for a laser tag venue at Jessica House, Red Lion Square, subject to conditions. The committee also confirmed two Tree Preservation Orders and received several reports for information.

Arch 79, Rear of 326 to 342 Queenstown Road, Queens Circus, SW11 8NE

The committee unanimously decided to defer a decision on the application for Arch 79, located at the rear of 326 to 342 Queenstown Road, Queens Circus¹. This deferral is to allow for further consideration of points raised in a submission by Russell Cooke LLP, including additional consultation with the Council's Environmental Health Officer. A comprehensive report covering all aspects of the application will be presented to the committee at a later date. Councillor Stephen Worrall, who had previously made a statement in support of the application, recused himself from the discussion due to potential predetermination. Councillor Leonie Cooper, a Member of the London Assembly for Merton and Wandsworth, noted her role for transparency.

Ground Floor Jessica House, 10 Red Lion Square, SW18 4LS

Planning permission was granted for a change of use at Ground Floor Jessica House, 10 Red Lion Square, to a Class E(d) indoor recreation use, specifically for a laser tag venue. The decision was made with 5 votes in favour, 4 against, and 1 abstention, with the Chair having a casting vote. The permission is subject to two additional conditions: the submission of a delivery and servicing plan to control the manner and timings of deliveries, and an informative stating that the operator's commitment not to sell or serve alcohol, nor allow alcohol to be brought onto the premises, was welcomed and expected to continue. Councillor Sarah Davies, the local ward councillor, had raised concerns on behalf of residents regarding noise, vibration, traffic, and potential anti-social behaviour. Officers, including Ellen Richards, team leader for the West Area team, and David Tiddley, head of transport strategy, addressed these concerns, with Environmental Health Officers satisfied that proposed mitigation measures would prevent adverse impacts on residential amenity. Councillor Tony Belton had proposed a two-year temporary permission, but this amendment was not seconded.

8 Henderson Road, SW18 3RR

The application for 8 Henderson Road, SW18 3RR, was withdrawn by the applicant.

8 Henderson Road, SW18 3RR

A second application for 8 Henderson Road, SW18 3RR, was also withdrawn by the applicant.

21 Alma Road, SW18 1AA

Planning permission was unanimously granted for the application at 21 Alma Road, SW18 1AA, as set out in the report. Councillor Tony Belton raised questions regarding previous conditions related to waste management for this property, noting that it was the second time in two meetings that an unusual refuse collection arrangement had been discussed. Ms. Richards confirmed that the original permission was granted with external waste proposed at the front, but the leaseholder had not permitted its implementation, leading to the current situation.

Tree Preservation Orders (Paper No. 26-165)

The committee resolved to confirm two Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs):

• TPO 518/2026 concerning a Silver Birch tree at 20 Dryburgh Road, SW15 1BL (Thamesfield Ward).
• TPO 519/2026 concerning a Yew tree and a Holm Oak tree at the Grounds of The Lodge, Minstead Gardens, SW15 4EE (Roehampton Ward). No objections were received for TPO 518. For TPO 519, one objection was received on the grounds that the trees were too close to listed buildings and perceived to be causing damage, but the council's tree officer deemed them healthy and suitable for protection.

Decisions (Paper No. 26-166)

The committee received the report on recent decisions made under delegated authority and by the Planning Applications Committee for information.

Closure of Investigation Files (Paper No. 26-167)

The committee received the report on the closure of investigation files for June 2026 for information. This report detailed various cases where breaches of planning control were alleged, with outcomes ranging from 'Breach Resolved' to 'Not Expedient' or 'No Breach'.

Closed Appeals (Paper No. 26-168)

The committee received the report on appeals closed during June 2026 for information. This report detailed 14 appeals, with 7 allowed and 7 dismissed. Councillor Nick Calder commented on an increase in appeals being allowed, particularly concerning developments in conservation areas, and noted that he would be writing to the Planning Inspectorate to complain about specific decisions.