The Planning Applications Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Thursday 18 June 2015 to discuss several planning applications and enforcement matters. Key decisions included refusing prior approval for a change of use at 161 Wimbledon Park Road, approving a development at 58 Eaton House the Manor, Clapham Common North Side, and adopting recommendations for several other applications and enforcement cases.

Former Alchemist Public House Demolition

The committee discussed an information item regarding the demolition of the Former Alchemist Public House at 225 St. John's Hill SW11. Councillor Tony Belton had requested the Standing Order be reported to highlight the need to protect traditional pubs. A planning officer confirmed the pub was identified as making a positive contribution to the area's character. Demolition was in progress without permission, leading to swift action by the Council to issue a Standing Order (SO83) requiring the developer to rebuild the structure. Councillor Belton emphasised the need for publicity to deter similar actions by other owners, and Councillor Annamarie Critchard suggested a public awareness message about residents being the ears and eyes of the Council on planning issues. A press release was planned by the Council regarding the matter.

Control of Developments: Planning Applications

The committee considered various planning applications.

161 Wimbledon Park Road

The committee refused prior approval for a change of use from retail (Class A1) to a residential unit (Class C3) at 161 Wimbledon Park Road. This application was governed by The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015¹, which allows for prior approval if specific criteria are met. While officers recommended granting prior approval, citing compliance with Class M, Schedule 2, Part 3 of the Order and using the Council's policy DMTS 7² as a reference for the shop's viability and impact, significant community opposition was noted.

Councillor Guy Humphries, speaking for Southfields residents, argued against the application, presenting a petition with over 600 signatures and a map showing a lack of alternative shops within an 800m radius. He stated that the permitted rights legislation was not intended to remove thriving businesses and that the loss of the shop would inconvenience elderly residents and those with mobility issues.

Councillor Jeremy Ambache, Mayor of Wandsworth, supported the refusal, highlighting the shop's status as an Asset of Community Value and its long history. He questioned the 400m radius used for assessing alternative shops and pointed out a contradiction in the planning officers' use of policy DMTS 7 after stating council policies did not apply. He also raised concerns about the Disability Discrimination Act³. The planning officer clarified that similar retail options were available within 375m and 400m, and that the Order did not require consideration of disabilities.

Councillors Michael Ryder and Will Sweet acknowledged the owner's rights but weighed them against the community's needs. Councillor Ryder felt the greater good of retaining the shop outweighed the owner's rights, while Councillor Sweet was not swayed by the map, noting alternative shopping areas for residents to the north. Councillor Maurice Heaster suggested deferring the application for more information on resident inconvenience.

Ultimately, Councillor Humphries moved a motion, seconded by Councillor Ambache, to refuse prior approval. The motion was unanimously carried on the grounds that the change of use would be undesirable due to the impact on adequate provision of services, as the surrounding residential area would lack sufficient local retail options. The Council therefore refused the application in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

58 Eaton House the Manor, Clapham Common North Side

The committee approved the recommendations for the application at 58 Eaton House the Manor, Clapham Common North Side, subject to corrections noted in late correspondence. Councillor Terence Walsh, as a ward councillor, and Councillor Senior spoke on behalf of local residents objecting to the application. Concerns were raised about the tight site, the new building being closer to neighbouring garden walls, and a considerable increase in height. The planning officer responded that the proposal did not increase pupil capacity and that the changes to the building envelope were within acceptable parameters and would not cause demonstrable harm. The decision was made by unanimous vote.

Other Applications

The committee also made decisions on several other applications:

• 19-21 and 31-37 Cabul Road: Recommendations were adopted, subject to an additional condition and a correction to the report. This decision was made by 7 votes to 3.
• Land at Mapleton Crescent: Recommendations were adopted with amendments to conditions 14, 18, 23, and 26, and corrections to specified paragraphs.
• 24 Bennerley Road: Planning permission was granted, subject to conditions and a correction to the report.
• 184 Mantilla Road: Planning permission was granted, subject to conditions and an amendment to the report.
• 30 Woodborough Road: Recommendations were adopted by 9 votes to 1.
• 123 Clapham Common West Side: Recommendations were adopted by 9 votes. Councillor Jane Dodd, having declared an interest due to a neighbour's complaint, took no part in the discussion or decision on this application.

Enforcement Matters

The committee adopted the recommendations for three enforcement applications:

• 94 Elmbourne Road: Recommendations as set out in the report were adopted.
• 90 Mitcham Lane: Recommendations were adopted with an amendment to the conclusion paragraph to include the word 'expedient'.
• Flat C16 St Cyprians Street: Recommendations as set out in the report were adopted.