The Wandsworth Council Planning Applications Committee met on Thursday 14 August 2014, approving or refusing a number of planning applications. Key decisions included granting planning permission for a new school at 170 Roehampton Lane, refusing permission for a school at Rayne House, Sudbrooke Road, and approving a basement development at 15 Morella Road.

Planning Applications

The committee considered a range of planning applications, with decisions made on several sites:

170 Roehampton Lane (2014/2124)

Planning permission was unanimously granted for a two-form entry school at 170 Roehampton Lane. Councillor Peter Carpenter, speaking as a ward councillor, argued against the application, stating it had not been considered as part of the Roehampton regeneration Masterplan, potentially undermining resident confidence. He also raised concerns about the proposed development being an overdevelopment, arguing the site was only suitable for a single-form entry school and that the current proposal would exacerbate transport issues due to a lack of parking provision.

However, the planning officer acknowledged parking and drop-off/pick-up challenges but stated they could be managed, especially in the initial years with fewer pupils. The travel plan was noted to be of a higher standard than usual, seeking Transport for London's 'Silver' Level. Councillor Maurice Heaster considered the site suitable for a school and believed the development would improve school choice for local parents. The committee ultimately granted permission, subject to conditions, with a focus on careful monitoring of transport issues.

Rayne House, Sudbrooke Road (2014/2310)

The committee unanimously refused planning permission for a school development at Rayne House, Sudbrooke Road. Councillor Mrs. Caroline Usher, representing residents, opposed the application, citing the loss of 13 affordable housing units and the amenity of the current garden. She argued this loss contradicted council policy, even with the applicant's claims of housing supply. Councillor Usher also stated the proposal would alter the character of the predominantly residential Sudbrooke Road and that there was no need for additional secondary school places in Wandsworth.

The planning officer confirmed the loss of 13 residential units would be against council policy, and the identified educational benefits did not outweigh this policy requirement. The committee agreed with the officers' recommendation to refuse permission and requested the Head of Planning and Development contact the Economic Development Officer to help the applicant find alternative sites for expansion.

15 Morella Road (2014/2668)

The committee unanimously approved the proposed basement development at 15 Morella Road. Councillor Clare Salier spoke against the application, highlighting Wandsworth's lack of a specific policy on basement developments, unlike other London boroughs. She expressed concern that such developments could alter the nature of gardens in the borough and noted the potential loss of two sycamore trees and drainage issues.

Planning officers confirmed that adequate drainage would be required and clarified that while many basements do not require planning permission, lightwells might. They stated that the development, being underground and within the property's curtilage, would not cause demonstrable harm to the conservation area's character or appearance. Discussions also covered the sustainability of basements, tree protection, and the use of the council's Building Control team versus private surveyors. The Head of Planning and Development noted that the council's Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance, adopted in December 2012, generally aligns with other boroughs' policies on basement developments.

83B Nightingale Lane (2014/3230 and 2014/3430)

Planning permission was granted for development at 83B Nightingale Lane, subject to conditions and an additional requirement for a Construction Method Statement (CMS). This CMS must be approved prior to development commencement and will ensure the preservation of the listed building's architectural and historic character, in line with Policy DMS2 of the Council's DMPD 2012¹. The CMS will need to address geological, structural, and hydrological concerns, as well as the impact on surrounding structures and utilities.

Other Planning Decisions

• Blocks M, N, P, Q and T Battersea Reach, York Road (2014/2002): The recommendation, as amended, was approved.
• 10 Windermere, Lytton Grove (2014/2639): Planning permission was granted, subject to conditions and an informative regarding concerns about construction vehicles and the use of private road garages for access and storage.
• 165 Putney High Street (2014/2669): Planning permission was granted, with an informative advising that details submitted for materials should consider the inclusion of art within the external appearance.
• Land in Aliwal Road rear of Costa Coffee 80-82 St Johns Road (2014/3113): Planning permission was granted, with an informative reminding the applicant of their responsibility to keep the area clear and tidy. The Transport officer will contact the applicant regarding their table and chairs licence.
• First Floor Flat, 26 Steerforth Street (2014/3706): Planning permission was granted, subject to conditions including an additional condition on ridge height.
• 94-96 Pirbright Road (2014/2397): The recommendations set out in the report were adopted by a vote of 5 to 1.

Councillor Will Sweet declared a connection with the application for 17b Birdhurst Road (2014/3053) due to a friend owning the property and therefore took no part in its discussion or decision.