The Planning Applications Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Thursday 18 January 2024, deciding on several planning applications and adopting an updated Local Enforcement Plan. Key decisions included granting temporary planning permission for a structure in Battersea Park and refusing an application for development at 10 Alderbrook Road due to concerns about overdevelopment and lack of amenity space.

Former Public Convenience at Clapham Common

The Committee unanimously approved the redevelopment of the former public convenience at Clapham Common in Clapham Common West Side, London SW4 9AZ. Members felt the proposal represented a significant improvement on the existing semi-derelict building. Councillor Leonie Cooper, who is also a Member of the London Assembly, stated she would not ordinarily support development on metropolitan open land, but was happy to support this application as it involved replacing an existing structure with new public conveniences. The Committee sought assurances regarding safety, accessibility, and the operational hours of the toilets, which will be tied to the opening hours of an associated café. Informatives were added to encourage the use of reclaimed metal for railings and to ensure the applicant meets the latest building regulation standards, including the installation of a radar key for accessibility. The repair and upkeep of the facility separate from the café will be a matter for the London Borough of Lambeth.

10 Alderbrook Road, SW12

Planning permission was refused for the development at 10 Alderbrook Road, SW12. Councillor Finna Ayres, Chair of the Committee, proposed refusal on the grounds that the application would constitute overdevelopment and result in a lack of amenity space for four of the proposed units. This was seconded by Councillor Guy Humphries. Councillor Lynsey Hedges, Ward Councillor for Balham, spoke in objection, representing residents of Thurleigh Court, which is immediately adjacent to the site. Councillor Hedges argued that the report did not adequately consider the impact on neighbouring properties, particularly regarding overlooking from proposed windows and the loss of daylight and sun. Concerns were also raised about the absence of obscure glazing and the impact on the approximately 150 residents of Thurleigh Court. While officers acknowledged a policy failure regarding amenity space for some units, they assessed the overall application as acceptable on balance. Councillor Ravi Govindia requested that future reports include tables detailing proposed space and storage standards compared to policy requirements. Councillor Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, expressed disappointment that the application, while including photovoltaic panels, did not deliver a sustainable heating system. The Committee also discussed the relationship between this application and a previously approved scheme to the north, with Councillor Humphries noting that amenity space provision is valued more highly by residents post-pandemic.

Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, London

Temporary planning permission was granted for a structure in Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, London. Councillor Mark Justin expressed concern that the proposal amounted to a permanent development and requested information on revenue generation. The External Legal Advisor clarified that income to the Council would not affect the application in terms of land use. Members questioned why permanent permission had never been sought in the site's 25-year planning history, with officers explaining that it is against Government guidance to keep granting temporary permission. The Committee was unanimous in its view that the applicant should seek to bring forward a permanent application before the current temporary permission ceases. Councillor White praised the report's section on sustainability, which included food waste segregation for green energy conversion. A query was raised about enforcement action, as the previous temporary permission expired in October 2023. Officers stated that enforcement is discretionary and the applicant had submitted a new application prior to the expiry. The decision was made with 9 votes in favour and 1 against.

Local Enforcement Plan Update

The Committee adopted the updated Local Enforcement Plan. The Team Manager (Planning Enforcement) noted that Wandsworth is one of the most active enforcement authorities in the country. The Chair expressed a desire for the new plan to be well publicised and suggested including an abstract example of a case that may not be expedient to pursue to help illustrate the process. Members queried the consultation undertaken with amenity societies and groups, with the Team Manager confirming that a draft had been presented to the Planning Forum. The updated plan will be available on the Council's website with a link to report potential planning breaches, and all Members will receive a hard copy. The adoption was subject to the inclusion of the abstract example.

Outstanding Planning Applications Committee Resolutions, Decisions, Closure of Investigation Files, and Closed Appeals

The Committee noted the delegations by operation of the Constitution regarding outstanding resolutions. They also received reports for information on the number of recent planning application decisions made under delegated authority and by the Committee, the closure of investigation files on complaints alleging a breach of planning control in December 2023, and appeals closed between 4th December 2023 and 8th January 2024.