The Development and Planning Applications Committee of Merton Council met on Thursday 18 June 2026. The committee voted to grant planning permission for a new mixed-use development at 70 Christchurch Road, Colliers Wood, and for two new semi-detached houses at 39 Florence Avenue, Morden. Permission was also voted to be granted for the installation of all-weather sports facilities at Raynes Park Sports Ground. The committee agreed the report on the progress of confirming an immediate Article 4 Direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across 13 wards, advising Cabinet and Full Council.

70 Christchurch Road, Colliers Wood, SW19 2PB

The committee voted to grant planning permission for the demolition of the existing building at 70 Christchurch Road and its replacement with a five-storey development comprising two ground-floor commercial units and nine self-contained apartments above. The decision was made subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

Concerns were raised by local residents and ward councillors regarding the building's height, scale, and design, which they felt were out of keeping with the surrounding two to three-storey buildings. Issues of parking pressure on Christchurch Close, increased traffic, waste management, and construction disruption were also highlighted. Objectors also expressed concerns about the loss of green space, potential impacts on biodiversity and flooding, and the demolition of a building they considered to have historic value.

Planning officers noted that the existing building was no longer Grade II listed and that the private garden space did not constitute public open space. They concluded that the proposed design was high quality, optimising the site's potential while integrating appropriately with its surroundings. The development was deemed to make a valuable contribution to Merton's housing targets and to support local economic activity through the inclusion of commercial units. The affordable housing contribution was reduced to £11,552 due to viability assessments.

39 Florence Avenue, Morden, SM4 6EX

Permission was voted to be granted for the demolition of the existing bungalow at 39 Florence Avenue and the erection of two new three-bedroom semi-detached dwellings. This decision was also subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

Local residents and ward councillors objected to the proposal, citing concerns about overdevelopment, harm to local character, loss of light, overshadowing, and a sense of enclosure. The siting of air source heat pumps and potential noise disturbance were also raised. Significant concerns were voiced about cumulative construction impacts from ongoing developments in the area, affecting elderly and vulnerable residents. The loss of bungalow accommodation, environmental concerns, and the potential for short-term lets or HMOs impacting community cohesion were also highlighted.

Officers acknowledged the concerns but stated that the demolition of the bungalow had no planning protection. They found the revised scheme's scale, form, and massing to be appropriate for the site and surrounding townscape, responding positively to the street scene. The proposed dwellings were found to meet minimum space standards, and the development would contribute to Merton's housing targets. An affordable housing financial contribution of £30,000 was agreed, and the development was confirmed as a self-build, with conditions to ensure this status for three years.

Raynes Park Sports Ground, Taunton Avenue, Raynes Park

The committee voted to grant permission for the installation of all-weather sports facilities at Raynes Park Sports Ground. This includes a synthetic turf hockey pitch with fencing and floodlights, four covered and floodlit padel courts, three artificial cricket wickets, and a no-dig woodland path. The decision was subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement.

The proposal faced objections primarily concerning the impact on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), and the potential for light pollution and noise. Concerns were also raised about parking, traffic, construction impacts, and the loss of existing sports provision, particularly for cricket and football. Sport England initially objected due to concerns about the impact on playing fields and the need for further information from National Governing Bodies, but later withdrew their objection after amendments were made.

Officers concluded that the development would deliver significant sporting and community benefits, aligning with national and local policies to promote healthy and active communities. They found that while there would be a localised impact on MOL openness, this was contained and mitigated by landscaping and lighting controls. The scheme was considered to deliver substantial public benefits that outweighed the identified impacts. The Section 106 agreement will secure financial contributions for widening access from Taunton Avenue, reviewing CPZ operation hours, and providing cycle hire parking.

Confirmation of an immediate Article 4 Direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in 13 wards

The committee agreed the report on the progress of confirming an immediate Article 4 Direction for small HMOs across 13 wards in Merton. This direction, introduced in March 2026, requires planning permission for all new HMOs in these areas.

The report detailed the public consultation process, which had received over 40 responses, with the majority supporting the proposal. Five objections were received, primarily from the landlord sector. The committee was informed that the full consultation report would be published, and all responses would be considered before the final decision by Full Council in September. The report also outlined the potential financial implications of compensation claims from landowners if planning permission were refused for developments that would have been permitted development rights prior to the Article 4 Direction.

The meeting also included the noting of planning appeal decisions and a summary of current planning enforcement cases.