The Planning Committee of Sutton Council met on Wednesday 5 August 2026 to discuss a range of planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of six new residential units above existing garages in Belmont, the refusal of a change of use application for a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Sutton, and the approval of several applications for BT Street Hub communication kiosks in Sutton and Wallington.

Garages To The Rear Of Sandringham Court And Buckingham Court, Dorset Road, Belmont

The committee granted planning permission for the erection of a first-floor extension above existing garages to create six two-bedroom self-contained residential units. The decision was made despite over 10 objections from residents concerned about parking, the impact on residential amenity, and the overdevelopment of the site. The proposal was deemed acceptable due to its efficient use of brownfield land, its design that respects the local context, and the provision of adequate parking and amenity space. Conditions were attached regarding materials, construction logistics, fire safety, and biodiversity net gain.

48 Hallmead Road, Sutton

In a decision that saw all committee members vote against the officer's recommendation, planning permission was refused for the change of use from a small HMO (Class C4) to a large HMO (Sui Generis) to provide 10 rooms. The refusal was based on concerns about inadequate mitigation of parking pressure, unacceptable impact on residential amenity due to noise and disturbance, and the intensification of the site's use. Objectors had highlighted significant parking issues and a perceived negative impact on the character of the residential street.

21 Morton Gardens, Wallington

Planning permission was granted for the change of use of a two-storey semi-detached property from a four-bedroom dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a short-term residential mental health crisis stabilisation institution (Class C2(b)). This decision was made despite a petition with over 10 objections from residents concerned about the loss of family housing, potential noise and disturbance, and parking pressure. The committee accepted the officer's recommendation, noting that the facility met an identified local health need, maintained a domestic character, and had no objections from technical consultees. Conditions were imposed regarding boundary treatments and renewable energy technologies.

15 Surrey Grove, Sutton

The committee granted planning permission for the erection of a single-storey rear extension and alterations to the front and flank fenestration. This decision was made despite over 10 objections from residents, many of whom had also objected to a previous, similar application that was refused and subsequently dismissed on appeal. The current application was determined on its own merits as a householder extension, with officers concluding it was modest in size, in keeping with the area, and would not unduly harm residential amenity or highway safety.

Land Opposite 284 - 286 High Street, Sutton

Planning permission was granted for the installation of an internally illuminated digital display and communications kiosk with a defibrillator. This decision was made despite one objection. The proposal was considered acceptable as it replaced a disused kiosk, maintained highway safety, and had a neutral visual impact on the busy town centre streetscene. Conditions were attached regarding materials and the removal of the old kiosk.

Land Outside 142 Stafford Road, Wallington

Planning permission and advertisement consent were granted for the installation of a BT Street Hub communication kiosk with digital advertising screens. This decision was made despite objections. The proposal was deemed acceptable as it replaced an existing kiosk, maintained highway safety, and the digital screens would have automatic night-time dimming to preserve amenity. A condition was imposed to protect an established street tree.

Land Outside 78 - 82 High Street, Sutton

Planning permission was granted for the replacement of a telephone kiosk with a BT Street Hub featuring two advertisement screens. This decision was made despite objections. The proposal was considered acceptable as it replaced an existing structure of similar size, maintained highway safety, and the digital screens would have automatic night-time dimming to preserve amenity. The unit's design was deemed to have a neutral effect on the character of the Sutton Town Centre Conservation Area.

Land Outside 78 - 82 High Street, Sutton

Advertisement consent was granted for two advertisement screens on the front and rear elevations of a BT Street Hub unit. This decision was made despite objections. The screens were considered acceptable due to their static nature, automatic night-time dimming, and the fact that they would not cause a significant impact on highway safety or residential amenity. Conditions were imposed to restrict special effects and ensure static displays.

The meeting also included discussions and decisions on other planning applications, including a phased development at Seaton House School, an extension at 71 Pine Walk, and the retention of a change of use at 5 Gainsborough Terrace.