The Planning Applications Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Wednesday 19 September 2018, confirming minutes from a previous meeting and considering a range of planning applications. Key decisions included the granting of planning permission for several developments, including a significant project at the South London Mail Centre, and the confirmation of two Tree Preservation Orders.

South London Mail Centre, 53 Nine Elms Lane, SW8 5BB

The committee granted planning permission for two applications relating to the South London Mail Centre site in Nine Elms. The first, a section 73 minor material amendment, sought to accommodate the requirements of the operator, Greystar. The second application concerned reserved matters for scale, appearance, access, and landscaping for proposed units. These applications were approved sequentially, with the reserved matters approval contingent on the section 73 amendment's approval.

The scheme will provide 18% affordable housing, or 20% by habitable room, and includes a £1.8 million contribution towards family-sized affordable housing in the area. A viability assessment concluded that this represented the maximum reasonable level of affordable housing. Councillor Belton questioned whether the proposed increase in building height, described as seven or eight stories, constituted a minor amendment. The Head of Strategic Developments explained that section 73 amendments were introduced for flexibility and that a full application would require a complete re-evaluation, including a new environmental assessment.

Councillor Richards-Jones expressed support for the scheme, noting the need for private rental accommodation in Wandsworth. He inquired about demand assessment and the benefits of a buy to rent model. The Head of Strategic Developments confirmed that while the buy-to-rent model was not explicitly identified in the local plan, it was supported by national and London-wide planning policies. He noted that only 112 units out of 16,000 approved in Nine Elms were specifically for private renters.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Carpenter regarding the scheme's viability, suggesting that the incremental value of buy-to-rent should be discounted. The Head of Development (Housing) explained that the longer yield period for rental income, compared to outright sales, typically results in lower affordable housing levels in such schemes. The scheme is subject to a 15-year covenant, with a clawback mechanism for any unit sales. Intermediate rent units will be held in perpetuity. The proposed intermediate rent levels were noted to be below the London Living Rent (LLR) levels for Queenstown ward, with no intermediate rent exceeding 80% of open market rents.

Councillor Belton voiced strong opposition, arguing that the increase in building height and massing was unacceptable for a low level of affordability. However, the Chairman highlighted that guidance from the Mayor of London and government acknowledged lower affordability levels for buy-to-rent developments. The committee ultimately granted planning permission by 6 votes to 3, with 1 abstention, for the section 73 amendment, and approved the reserved matters.

Former Balham Bowls Green, Land to the rear of 7-9 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX

The committee granted planning permission for a development on the former Balham Bowls Green site, despite significant local objections. Councillor Field, speaking on behalf of objectors, raised concerns about the reduction of open space, traffic, pedestrian safety, and the impact on daylight and amenity for nearby residents. He also noted that the Wandsworth (Conservation Area) Advisory Committee felt the proposal did not enhance the conservation area and was monolithic in appearance, shape, and form.

Councillor Critchard highlighted concerns about the removal of open space, questioning the fairness of an Open Space Assessment commissioned by the developer and the lack of consultation regarding alternative uses like a playground or allotments. She also pointed out the absence of affordable family units and the potential exacerbation of traffic problems.

The Planning Officer confirmed that assessments indicated no current or future demand for bowls at the site, and a sequential test concluded that the site's constraints made it difficult for sporting or open space use. The applicant will contribute £359,000 towards open space improvements in the Nightingale and Balham wards. Councillor Belton questioned why the housing was not required to be 100% affordable, given the site's previous status as open space. The Head of Development (Housing) stated that viability assessments indicated 36% was the maximum viable level of affordable housing.

Councillor Gilbert expressed doubt about the lack of other viable uses for the open space. Councillor Critchard inquired about parking permits and public access to a proposed play area. The Planning Officer confirmed a publicly accessible play space would be provided, but gating the area would be unrealistic due to servicing needs for commercial units. The committee agreed to grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director (Planning & Transport) to finalise details, with a request to ensure the play space would be publicly accessible.

The application was granted planning permission by 6 votes to 4.

Other Planning Applications and Matters

The committee considered and granted planning permission for several other applications:

• 82 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EH: Planning permission was granted. Councillor Belton raised questions about the sustainability assessment of applications, with the Planning Officer explaining that higher standards apply to major developments.
• 42/43 Halston Close, SW11 6RH: Planning permission was granted. This application sought to regularise two units found to be unlawful by the Planning Inspectorate. The committee agreed to a 9-month completion deadline.
• 131 Longley Road, SW17 9LD: Planning permission was granted by 8 votes to 1, with 1 abstention.
• 6 Gosberton Road, SW12 8LF: Planning permission was granted by 8 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions. Councillor Critchard, who had declared an interest, recused herself from the discussion and vote. Councillor Field raised concerns about the conversion of the property into three flats potentially changing the character of the area and setting a precedent.
• 107 Hillbrook Road, SW17 8SF: The application was deferred to allow officers to examine precedent schemes provided by Councillor Critchard, who spoke on behalf of the applicant.
• 23 Petergate, SW11 2UE: Planning permission was granted.
• Audiology House, 45 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8SU: Planning permission was granted by 8 votes to 2. Councillor Carpenter raised concerns about discrepancies in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) calculations and questioned the lack of CIL liability on a previous proposal. Councillor Critchard raised concerns about bulk and massing.
• Former Cornford Grove Care Home, 14 Cornford Grove, SW12 9JF: Planning permission was granted.
• 35-37 Putney High School, Putney Hill, SW15 6BH: Planning permission was granted by 9 votes to 1. Councillor Crivelli noted resident concerns about pupil numbers and the travel plan. Councillor Carpenter expressed disappointment with the design. Councillor Critchard raised concerns about the visibility of rooftop plant and potential overbearing impact. An informative was added reminding the applicant of the legal restriction on pupil numbers.
• 81A Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4PH: Planning permission was granted.
• 79 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PD: Planning permission was granted.
• 1023-1025 Garratt Lane, SW17 0LN: Planning permission was granted. Councillor Critchard enquired about the reduction in size compared to a previous scheme.
• 247-249 Wimbledon Park Road, SW18 5RJ: Planning permission was granted for a temporary period of 18 months. Councillor Humphries and Councillor Belton expressed concerns about the measurements, location, and potential health implications of customers sitting outside next to heavy traffic. The committee decided to grant a temporary permission to assess its compatibility with the upcoming Southfields Public Realm Improvement Project.

Tree Preservation Orders

The committee resolved to confirm two Tree Preservation Orders: TPO 443/2017 at 27 Thrale Road, SW16, and TPO 445/2017 at 45 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11.

Decisions on Planning Applications

A report on the number of recent decisions on planning applications made under delegated authority and by the Planning Applications Committee was received. Councillor Belton enquired about appeal outcomes, and the Head of Development Management noted that the number of appeals allowed fluctuates, with an average of 25%-30% being allowed. Councillor Critchard suggested a report on recent appeals and site visits, which the Chairman agreed to consider.

Closure of Investigation Files

A report on the closure of investigation files concerning alleged breaches of planning control during August 2018 was received. Councillor Byrne noted a geographical inaccuracy in the report, and Councillor Belton sought further information on specific cases, which the Head of Development Management agreed to provide.