The Planning Applications Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Tuesday 28 January 2020, considering a range of planning applications and enforcement matters. Key decisions included granting planning permission for several developments, including a significant regeneration project at the York Road Estate, and deferring a decision on the application for 2-18 Yelverton Road pending further information.

York Road Estate Regeneration Project

The committee discussed the extensive regeneration of the York Road Estate, which includes the York Gardens and part of the Winstanley Estate, bounded by York Road, Plough Road, Winstanley Road, Livingston Road, Meyrick Road, Sullivan Close, Ingrave Street and Wye Street, SW11. The application sought approval for the overall floor space, building heights, and uses, with final designs for some blocks to be subject to a reserved matters application.

Concerns were raised by Marsha De Cordova MP, Member of Parliament for Battersea, and local councillors regarding the level of affordable housing. The planning officer explained that the Greater London Authority (GLA) had confirmed that 35% was the maximum affordable housing provision the site could support, and that the redevelopment aimed to create a better living environment, increase employment, and address local housing needs.

Sustainability and energy sources were also debated. Councillor Tony Belton questioned the scheme's preparedness for future carbon neutrality targets. The planning officer assured the committee that the application complied with current energy policy, and updated energy statements would be submitted for each new phase, with the potential for District Heating Networks (DHNs) to be connected later. Councillor Peter Carpenter expressed concern that the proposed combined heating power and gas fire system would not be carbon neutral and would require removal before 2050, potentially increasing future costs for tenants.

Affordability was a significant point of discussion. Councillor Belton felt the provision of socially rented housing was insufficient, while the Head of Housing Enablement and Projects explained that a Financial Viability Assessment had determined 35% as the maximum affordable housing provision. Councillor Claire Gilbert highlighted that around 130 tenants in temporary accommodation would be displaced, though the Head of Housing Enablement and Projects stated that the scheme would deliver a higher level of social housing than currently exists.

Discussions also covered waste and recycling, with assurances that dedicated bin store areas would be included. Tree loss was a concern for Councillor Belton, who stressed the importance of planting replacement trees of equal or better quality. Councillor Graham Loveland questioned the consideration given to tree retention in block siting. The planning officer explained that tree retention had been considered in the Master Plan, and new trees would be planted as part of landscaping.

Design and architecture were reviewed, with Councillor Carpenter expressing concerns about the design of the four tower blocks. The planning officer noted that the design had been reviewed by four independent Design Review Panels (DRPs) who considered it to be good. Councillor Gilbert raised concerns about segregated access to roof terraces, which the planning officer clarified would not be the case.

Daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing were also debated. Councillor Belton raised concerns about the daylighting and sunlighting of mansion blocks, and Councillor Carpenter questioned the acceptable light levels for flats. The committee was informed that 86% of habitable rooms adhered to Average Daylight Factor (ADF) guidelines and 73% to Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH) recommendations.

Community space, green spaces, and play space were discussed. The planning officer stated that a community management plan would ensure continued access to community space, and that while there was a small reduction in overall green space, its qualitative value would be improved. Councillor Gilbert inquired about the provision and continuity of play space during redevelopment.

Accessibility for disabled children in the leisure centre and the design of Block 11 were also addressed. The committee discussed the phasing of the Master Plan, with Councillor Peter Carpenter expressing concern about the 16-year programme. The planning officer explained that the detailed element, including the leisure centre and park, would be delivered first, with timing dependent on the decant strategy.

Employment opportunities were highlighted, with the planning officer explaining that a Local Employment Agreement would ensure jobs were created for local people as part of the redevelopment.

The committee resolved to delegate power to the Assistant Director for Environment and Community Services (Planning and Transport) to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a legal agreement and specified planning conditions. They also agreed to delegate authority to refuse permission if the legal agreement was not completed.

2-18 Yelverton Road, SW11 3QG

The application for 2-18 Yelverton Road, SW11 3QG, was discussed, with an earlier iteration proposing 35% affordable housing. The current proposal included 19.4% affordable housing, incorporating affordable rent tenure alongside intermediate shared ownership, following a request from the GLA. This change necessitated an additional residential lift core, reducing the creative workspace.

Councillor Tony Belton questioned the need for separate lifts for shared ownership and social renting tenants. The Area Team Manager explained that landlords often prefer separation for social rent to maintain affordable service charges. Councillor Peter Carpenter expressed concern about the reduction in business and arts space, and Councillor Piers McCausland felt the additional core served no purpose.

Councillor Belton stated that the application did not comply with London Plan policies, though the Area Team Manager indicated that negotiations were ongoing to bring it into compliance.

The committee voted not to approve the application. Councillor McCausland argued for refusal due to the functional waste of arts space and potential service charge increases. Councillor Carpenter advocated for refusal due to the reduction in affordable housing. The Head of Housing Enablement Projects explained that a 19.4% affordable housing provision would result in a deficit, but that a 35% provision had also shown a deficit.

Councillor Carpenter moved to defer the application for further information from the GLA regarding the reduction in affordable housing and the impact of the additional core. This was seconded by Councillor Aled Richards-Jones.

Resolved: The planning application was deferred, requiring further information from the GLA on the level of affordable housing and the impact of the core on the development.

Other Planning Applications and Enforcement Matters

The committee granted planning permission for several other applications, including:

• 37-39 St Johns Road, SW11 1QN: Planning permission was granted.
• South London Mail Centre, 53 Nine Elms Lane, SW8 5BB (2019/2250 & 2019/2293): Planning permission was delegated to the Assistant Director for Environment and Community Services (Planning and Transport) subject to a legal agreement and conditions.
• 5 Gambole Road, SW17 0QJ: Planning permission was granted by 8 votes to 2.
• 11 Frogmore, SW18 1HW: Planning permission was granted by 6 votes to 4, with a condition for a construction management plan to minimise disruption.
• Eaton House The Manor School, 58 Clapham Common North Side, SW4 9RU (2019/3243 and 2019/3271): Planning permission and listed building consent were granted. Councillor Hugh Byrne raised concerns about idling engines and traffic, while Councillor Tony Belton highlighted the environmental impact of air conditioning units.
• 3 Carmalt Gardens, SW15 6NE: This application was withdrawn by the applicant.
• 65 Salcott Road, SW11 6DQ: Planning permission was granted.
• 74 A Vant Road, SW17 6DQ: Planning permission was granted.
• 6 Cardinal Place, SW15 1NX: Planning permission was granted.
• Ground Floor Rear of 110 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2SP: Planning permission was granted with an additional condition to restrict its use to Class B1(c) only.
• 18 Cambridge Road, SW11 4RR: Planning permission was granted.
• 262 York Road, SW18 1TP: Planning permission was granted.
• The Prince of Wales, 186 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3AE: Planning permission was granted.
• 32 Montholme Road, SW11 6HY: Planning permission was granted by 8 votes to 2, with a condition to ensure noise from air conditioning units did not exceed LA90 (around 10 decibels).
• 9 Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ: Planning permission was granted.
• 38 Sispara Gardens, SW18 1LQ: Planning permission was granted for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), with officers balancing the loss of a family dwelling against the provision of more affordable accommodation.
• 43 Sutherland Grove, SW18 5QP: Planning permission was granted, with a condition to prevent the gym from being used as a separate dwelling.
• Flat First Floor, 11 Vanderbilt Road, SW18 3BG: Planning permission was granted.

In terms of enforcement, the committee resolved to:

• Authorise the issue of an enforcement notice to remove hoarding from 52 Moira Court, Balham High Road, SW17 7AH.
• Close the enforcement investigation for 205 Broomwood Road, SW11 6JX, deeming it not expedient to take further action.
• Authorise the issue of an enforcement notice to lower the front boundary treatment at 902 Garratt Lane, SW17 0NB to a height of 1.1m.

The committee also received reports on decisions and the closure of investigation files for information. Councillor Hugh Byrne noted an inaccuracy in the ward stated for item 34 on the closure of investigation files.