The Planning Applications Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Tuesday 26th June 2018, where members considered a range of planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for most of the applications discussed, with a few notable exceptions including a deferral and a refusal.

Applications Discussed

The committee considered numerous planning applications, with the most significant discussions revolving around the development at 180-214 Upper Tooting Road.

180-214 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7ER (2017/4726)

This application proposed the demolition of existing buildings, the retention and restoration of the RACS façade, and the construction of a development comprising a 96-bedroom hotel, 41 residential units, and 173 sqm of community space. Councillor White, representing local residents, expressed disappointment that the proposal only offered nine affordable units, falling below the Council's 35% target. He also highlighted the loss of independent businesses, including the Sound Lounge and Friendship Café, and the introduction of a chain coffee shop and hotel. Concerns were raised about the scale of the development, potential for anti-social behaviour, increased carbon emissions from demolition, and air quality. Councillor White suggested that if the application were approved, it should include provisions for key worker units, additional creative and flexible community space, reduced massing, and increased car club provision.

The Planning Officer noted that a previous permission on the site had proposed student accommodation, whereas the current application offered residential units, which was considered more beneficial. An independent assessment indicated that the maximum viable level of affordable housing was 22%, as proposed in the application. Councillor Crivelli questioned the absence of social rent units within the affordable housing provision. The Head of Development (Housing) explained that including social rent units in a small number of affordable homes was unattractive for housing associations to manage, and that the 22% figure represented the maximum viable level after rigorous assessment. The London Plan¹ sets a threshold target of 35% affordable housing, but this application included a viability study demonstrating that only 22% was achievable.

Despite some councillors, such as Councillor Belton, advocating for a higher percentage of affordable housing, the committee ultimately granted planning permission by a vote of 7 to 2. The Chairman acknowledged the committee's preference for higher affordable housing levels but highlighted the benefits of the scheme, including 22% affordable housing, community space, restoration of a heritage asset, and over £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)² contributions, with a portion to be spent in the local Tooting area.

Land adjacent 8 Akehurst Street, SW15 5DR (2017/1573)

Planning permission was granted for development on land adjacent to 8 Akehurst Street. Councillor Gilbert raised concerns from local residents about the proposed setback from the street, which was intended to preserve a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)³. While acknowledging the need to protect the tree, she suggested design modifications to maintain consistency with neighbouring properties. The Planning Officer confirmed an existing permission for two dwellings on the site and explained that the current, more modern proposal was set back to accommodate mature trees with significant public benefit.

111-113 Wandsworth High Street, SW18 4HY (2017/6538)

Councillor Humphries commented that the proposal for 111-113 Wandsworth High Street would result in a better use of the site, and planning permission was granted.

Petersfield Rise/ Bessborough Road, SW15 4AE (2017/6977)

Planning permission was granted for development at Petersfield Rise/Bessborough Road. Councillor Critchard suggested including a lift in the new building, particularly as it would provide social housing. The Head of Strategic Developments explained that the units were for specific tenants as part of a regeneration process involving relocation, and that a lift could be provided later if required. Councillor Gilbert enquired about the tenure of the proposed housing and the impact on parking. It was confirmed that all housing would be affordable, with the tenure mix to be determined during the relocation process.

Ground Floor, 77 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1ET (2017/7023)

Planning permission was granted for development at the ground floor of 77 Lower Richmond Road.

St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College, 10 Malwood Road, SW12 8EN (2018/0124)

Planning permission was granted for development at St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College. Councillor Byrne enquired about the light spill plan assessment, which was explained to have been carried out by a lighting engineer. The Chairman noted concerns about lighting levels and was informed that Environmental Health Officers could take action if statutory nuisance occurred.

231 Putney Bridge Road, SW15 2PU (2018/0376)

Planning permission was granted for development at 231 Putney Bridge Road.

6-10 Ingate Place, SW8 3NS (2018/0544)

Planning permission was granted for development at 6-10 Ingate Place. Councillor Critchard noted positively that the proposal would be car-free with ample bicycle provision, but raised concerns about the cycle route under railway bridges. The Head of Strategic Developments mentioned a £50,000 contribution for public realm improvements, which could potentially include cycleways. The Legal Advisor clarified that Section 106⁴ funding must be directly related to the development and necessary for planning purposes. Councillor Byrne enquired about retaining facades of post-war buildings, but it was noted the site was not in a conservation area and the buildings were not considered of sufficient merit.

Basement and Ground Floor, 14 Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ (2018/0904)

Planning permission was granted for development at the basement and ground floor of 14 Hildreth Street.

Trinity Court Nursing Home, 165-167 Trinity Road, SW17 7HL (2018/1058)

The application for Trinity Court Nursing Home was deferred to allow for further assessment of the impact on a protected tree near the site.

Park House, 233 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4LB (2018/1199)

Planning permission was granted for development at Park House.

4 Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ (2018/1286)

Planning permission was granted for development at 4 Hildreth Street. Councillor Critchard enquired if the application sought to rectify a previous breach. The Planning Officer explained that the building had not been delivered according to approved drawings, with breaches relating to window locations and an oversized terrace. The current application sought approval for rectified drawings, including the removal of the unauthorised terrace.

Flat Second Floor 3, 127 Drakefield Road, SW17 8RS (2018/1299)

Planning permission was granted for development at Flat Second Floor 3, 127 Drakefield Road.

Flat 2, 98 A Ribblesdale Road, SW16 6SR (2018/1306)

Planning permission was granted for development at Flat 2, 98 A Ribblesdale Road.

Units 11-13 Blades Court, 121 Deodar Road, SW15 2NU (2018/1420)

Planning permission was granted for development at Units 11-13 Blades Court. Councillor Critchard found the proposed design disagreeable and suggested refusal. Councillor Crivelli enquired about obscured glazing for privacy, and it was confirmed that terrace screening would be obscure glazed for safety. The issue of future residents being excluded from obtaining residents' permits was discussed, with the Transport Officers agreeing that the threshold for exclusion had been met. The Putney Society's objection regarding consistency in style and height was addressed, with the Planning Officer stating the proposal had a contemporary design consistent with the 1980s construction of Blades Court.

1 Ground Floor, Station Parade, Balham High Road, SW12 9AZ (2018/1478)

Planning permission was granted for development at 1 Ground Floor, Station Parade, with an amended condition limiting the permission to one year to assess the impact on the area. Councillor Belton had proposed the time-limited permission, suggesting it would allow the council to assess the impact on the pavement.

Land East of Her Majesty Prison and North of Alma Terrace, Heathfield Road, SW18 (2018/1612)

Planning permission was granted for development on land east of Her Majesty Prison and north of Alma Terrace. Councillor Gilbert, who had visited the site, found the objections unusual and was in favour of the facility.

New Cottage, 2A Daylesford Avenue, SW15 5QR (2018/1629)

Planning permission was granted for development at New Cottage.

129 Leathwaite Road, SW11 6RW (2018/1675)

Planning permission was granted for development at 129 Leathwaite Road.

1 Effort Street, SW17 0QP (2018/1975)

Planning permission was granted for development at 1 Effort Street. Councillor Critchard commented that the proposal would be a major improvement for the site and the area.

Enforcement Actions

The committee also authorised enforcement action for two cases.

Land at rear of 57 Dafforne Road SW17 8TY (2016/0036/ENF)

An enforcement notice was authorised to secure the removal of an unauthorised two-storey, three-bedroom house, or its alteration to comply with the original planning permission for a one-bedroom house.

34 Freedom Street, SW11 5AQ (2017/0265/ ENF)

An enforcement notice was authorised to secure the removal of an unauthorised timber door and the reinstatement of a door matching the original timber panelled door with glazing.

Other Business

The committee received reports on decisions made and the closure of investigation files as information.