The Planning Applications Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Wednesday 22 November 2017, considering a range of planning applications across the borough. The committee granted planning permission for most applications, with one significant refusal and several detailed discussions on specific proposals.

Planning Applications Discussed

The committee considered numerous planning applications, with decisions made on each. Key discussions and decisions included:

189 Balham High Road, SW12 9BA

Planning permission was refused for this application. Councillors raised significant concerns regarding the proposed three-storey houses, citing issues of overlooking, loss of privacy, and an overbearing impact on neighbouring properties. Ward councillors, including Councillor McDermott and Councillor Anderson, presented objections on behalf of local residents, highlighting insufficient space, potential overlooking of a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) base at the adjacent school, and inadequate visibility for vehicles entering the road. Despite the applicant's amendments, including replacing glass doors with windows, the committee ultimately decided that the proposal would result in a detrimental impact on residential amenity, contrary to local planning policies.

Putney High School, 35-37 Putney Hill, SW15 6BH

Two applications related to Putney High School were discussed. The first concerned a temporary building, and the second related to varying a legal agreement to increase pupil numbers. Local residents, represented by Councillor Govindia, expressed concerns about a perceived breach of trust regarding pupil numbers, increased traffic, and noise. The committee agreed to amend Condition 1 to ensure the modular building is removed by 1 September 2021, aiming to minimise disruption during term time. Condition 7 was also amended to require the school to achieve Gold Accreditation in Transport for London's STARS programme for school travel plans by 1 September 2019. An informative was added, encouraging the school to maintain open dialogue with neighbours and continue with a dedicated email address and working group for residents to raise concerns. The application to vary the legal agreement was granted, subject to the agreement.

40 Balham Hill, SW12 9EL

Concerns were raised by ward councillors, including Councillor Field and Councillor Usher, regarding an external air conditioning unit, specifically its noise, heat impact, and appearance. While existing conditions limited the operation hours of ventilation systems, the committee agreed to add a condition requiring any maintenance to be conducted during acceptable hours.

82-84 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EH

This application, previously deferred, was discussed again. Councillor Critchard enquired about the results of a further consultation on proposed extended opening hours, with the Planning Officer confirming no objections were received. Planning permission was granted subject to conditions.

Flats 1-4, 17 Briar Walk, SW15 6UD

Councillor Critchard sought clarification on resident access to the garden, which was confirmed by the Planning Officer. Ward councillors, Councillors Cooper and Sutters, raised concerns about residents in the top-floor flat. The committee agreed to add an informative ensuring residents are kept informed of site activity during construction.

94 and 94a Longley Road, SW17 9LH

Councillor Gibbons spoke on behalf of local residents, raising concerns about the proposal to split a house into flats, the impact of bringing the house in line with other properties, and the balcony being out of character. Residents also worried about increased parking problems. The Planning Officer explained there were no policy constraints on converting houses into flats in this instance. The committee granted planning permission, with one vote against.

45, 55, and 50 York Mansions, Prince of Wales Drive, SW11 4BP

Three applications for roof terraces within York Mansions were considered. Concerns were raised by the Wandsworth (Conservation Area) Advisory Committee and the Battersea Society regarding the visibility of glass screens from Battersea Park and the potential for setting a precedent in the conservation area. While some councillors initially expressed scepticism, the committee ultimately granted planning permission for all three applications, subject to conditions, with varying voting majorities.

Wandle Annex and Willow Annex, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, SW17 0QT

Councillor Carpenter expressed concern about works proceeding before planning permission was granted. The Head of Development Management clarified that retrospective planning permission is permitted. Councillor Belton noted the removal of five trees, including a London plane. Planning permission was granted, with two votes against.

198 York Road, SW11 3SA

This application proposed an increase in height and additional units compared to a previous proposal. The committee noted that 35% affordable housing would be provided on the uplift, constituting 17% overall. Planning permission was granted, with three votes against.

Other Applications

Planning permission was granted, subject to conditions, for the following applications:

• 98 Knowsley Road, SW11 5BL
• Flat First Floor, 213 Earlsfield Road, SW18 3DE (with a revised Condition 4)
• 528-536 Garratt Lane, SW17 0NY (by 7 votes to 1)
• 51 Warriner Gardens, SW11 4EA
• Land at rear of 857 Garratt Lane, SW17 0LX (with updated conditions)
• 40 Old Devonshire Road, SW12 9RB
• 14 Valonia Gardens, SW18 1PY
• 68 Massingberd Way, SW17 6AF
• The Tennis Hut, King Georges Park, Neville Gill Close, SW18 2GJ
• Graveney Upper School, Welham Road, SW17 9BU
• Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, 101-119 West Hill, SW15 3SW
• Flat 49, Castle Court, 1 Brewhouse Lane, SW15 2JJ (by 7 votes to 1)
• 1A Larpent Avenue, SW15 6UP
• 6 Leacroft Avenue, SW12 8NF
• Flat First Floor, 1A Farlton Road, SW18 3BJ
• 16 The Boulevard, Balham High Road, SW17 7BW
• Flat First and Second Floors, 48 Harbut Road, SW11 2RB
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Joseph Church, Adjoining 8a Battersea Park Road, SW8 4BG (by 7 votes to 1)

Enforcement Actions

The committee authorised the issue of enforcement notices for two properties:

• 607-609 Garratt Lane, SW18 4S0: To secure the removal of a marquee.
• 17 Freedom Street, SW11 5AQ: To secure the removal of unauthorised UPVC windows and the reinstatement of timber sash windows.

Information Items

The committee received reports for information on the Homebase site at Swandon Way, recent planning decisions made under delegated authority, and the closure of investigation files.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Sweet. Apologies were received from Councillors Dodd and Mrs Usher.