The Development and Planning Applications Committee of Merton Council met on Thursday 18 June 2026, granting planning permission for three separate development proposals. The committee approved plans for a new mixed-use development at 70 Christchurch Road, Colliers Wood, SW19 2PB, the demolition of a bungalow at 39 Florence Avenue, Morden, SM4 6EX to make way for two new semi-detached dwellings, and the installation of all-weather sports facilities at Raynes Park Sports Ground, Taunton Avenue, Raynes Park. The committee also noted progress on an Article 4 Direction concerning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

70 Christchurch Road, Colliers Wood, SW19 2PB

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing building and the erection of a new five-storey building comprising two ground-floor commercial units and nine self-contained apartments. The decision was made subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, which will include contributions towards affordable housing and carbon offsetting. Ward councillors had raised concerns about the development's impact on natural light, character, heritage, parking, traffic, green space, biodiversity, and flooding. The applicant, James Wade, highlighted the scheme's design quality and its contribution to local housing needs. Officers noted that the existing building, formerly a Grade II listed cottage, had been delisted and therefore its demolition was not a planning objection.

39 Florence Avenue, Morden, SM4 6EX

Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing bungalow and the construction of two three-bedroom semi-detached dwellings. This decision was subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, which will secure a carbon offset contribution, an affordable housing contribution of £30,000, and the construction of the development as a self-build. Objectors, including over 100 residents who signed a petition, raised concerns about overdevelopment, harm to local character, loss of light, noise from air source heat pumps, parking issues, cumulative construction impacts, and the loss of bungalows suitable for older or less mobile residents. Ward Councillor Peter McCabe and former Councillor Caroline Charles also voiced concerns about the potential for the properties to be used for short-term letting, impacting community cohesion and exacerbating parking pressures. The applicant, Anthony William, stated the proposal was for his family's needs and that a construction management plan would be in place. The committee also agreed to add a condition removing permitted development rights for HMOs and to reduce the implementation timeframe to 12 months.

Raynes Park Sports Ground, Taunton Avenue, Raynes Park

The committee granted permission for the installation of all-weather sports facilities, including a synthetic turf hockey pitch with floodlighting, four covered and floodlit padel courts, three artificial cricket wickets, and a no-dig woodland path. This decision is subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement that will secure financial contributions for widening access from Taunton Avenue, reviewing Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) operation hours, and providing a cycle hire bay. The proposal faced objections regarding its impact on parking, the CPZ, biodiversity, noise, light pollution, and the credibility of the transport assessment. Supporters, including England Hockey and over 150 residents, highlighted the need for improved sports facilities and the positive community benefits. Sport England, initially objecting due to concerns about the impact on playing fields and cricket provision, withdrew its objection after amendments were made, including the removal of floodlighting from grass pitches and improvements to cricket pitch boundaries and artificial wicket provision. The Football Foundation and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) maintained concerns about the impact on football and rugby provision, respectively, while the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) supported the padel court proposals.

Confirmation of an Immediate Article 4 Direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

The committee noted the progress on confirming an immediate Article 4 Direction for small HMOs across 13 wards in Merton. This direction, which came into effect on 24 March 2026, requires planning permission for all new HMOs in these wards. A public consultation on making the direction permanent ran from 8 May to 19 June 2026, with the majority of responses being supportive. The committee was asked to advise Cabinet and Full Council on whether to confirm the direction, with a statutory deadline of 23 September 2026. The report also highlighted the council's potential liability for compensation claims from landowners if planning permission were refused for developments that would have been permitted development without the Article 4 Direction.