The Wandsworth Council Planning Applications Committee met on Wednesday 20 November 2024, approving five planning applications, including the redevelopment of the Ackroyd Community Centre and the addition of housing units. The committee also confirmed two Tree Preservation Orders and received reports on closed investigations, appeals, and recent planning decisions.

Tolan Square / Eastwood South Estate Redevelopment

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of Tolan Square, part of the Eastwood South Estate¹, which involves the demolition of garages and the construction of new housing. Councillor Graham Henderson, representing Roehampton Ward, spoke in support of the application, acknowledging the housing crisis but highlighting resident concerns regarding storage and car parking. He urged officers to work constructively with residents to resolve these issues. Planning officer Cathy Molloy confirmed that the applicant, the housing department, had committed to providing replacement storage sheds for residents before the demolition of the existing garages. David Tiddley, Head of Transport Strategy, addressed parking concerns, stating there would be no net change in parking provision and that any minor increase in demand from the new units could be accommodated. Councillor Finna Ayers raised concerns about the size of the proposed storage units compared to the original garages, while Councillor Sara Apps shared positive experiences from a similar development in her ward. Councillor Ravi Govindia pursued the matter of storage, questioning compliance with London Plan guidance and seeking assurances for residents. The committee agreed to add an informative note regarding the provision of storage sheds in advance of demolition, rather than a formal condition or undertaking. Councillor Jamie Colclough noted the seven new units would meet passive house standards for energy efficiency. Councillor Guy Humphries reiterated concerns about the adequacy of the new storage units and the timing of resolving these resident issues. Councillor Paul White, Chair of Housing, expressed delight with the environmental aspects and the improved appearance of the estate but was disappointed that more housing units were not delivered. Councillor Emmeline Owens inquired about the impact on the local school, Queen Mary's Hospital², and was assured that conditions regarding boundary treatment and construction management would mitigate disruption.

Ackroyd and Community Centre Redevelopment

Planning permission was unanimously granted for the redevelopment of the Ackroyd and Community Centre on the Ackroyd Estate³. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing centre and the construction of a part three-storey, part four-storey building comprising 13 affordable housing units, a replacement community centre, a new children's playground, and associated parking and landscaping. Mr. Hayter presented the plans, highlighting the proposed playground in the existing sunken garden area. Councillor Guy Humphries raised concerns about historic flooding in the sunken garden, which was addressed by the inclusion of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) as a condition. He also commented on the visual impact of the north elevation on Sandringham Close⁴, noting it appeared imposing. Ms. Ellen Richards, team leader for the West Area, provided reassurance that despite the visual appearance, the setbacks and orientation of the building would mitigate overlooking and overbearing impacts on Sandringham Close. Councillor Ravi Govindia questioned the mention of a sill in late papers, as the development was understood to be 100% social housing, and also inquired about the capacity of the SUDS to address wider urban flooding issues. He also raised concerns about fire safety provisions in council applications. Ms. Hayter confirmed the SUDS would improve the site's flooding situation but could not comment on wider issues. Regarding the sill, she explained it was a mayoral requirement for community space. Councillor Sara Apps expressed her approval of the development and raised environmental concerns about food waste collection, noting its provision at Tolan Square but its absence in the Ackroyd Centre plans. Mr. Calder clarified that communal food waste storage facilities were included in the ground-floor refuse store. Councillor Govindia further questioned future-proofing for food waste collection, and Ms. Hayter suggested adding food waste storage and collection to Condition 30. Councillor Finna Ayers praised the design, particularly the inclusion of bathrooms with windows and utility cupboards.

21 Rowena Crescent Redevelopment

The committee approved the application for 21 Rowena Crescent⁵, which involves the retention of the front elevation and supporting party walls, with the removal of internal fabric and a rear addition. The proposal includes rebuilding with improved internal layouts, a roof extension, and a raised ridge. Councillor Ayers expressed strong disapproval of the demolition scale, deeming it unsustainable and discouraging such practices, and stated she would not vote for it. Councillor Guy Humphries raised concerns about the siting and noise from an air source heat pump in the small garden, seeking reassurance that conditions would adequately address this. The committee approved the application with nine votes in favour and one abstention.

Vision Point, 4 Yelverton Road Redevelopment

Planning permission was granted for Vision Point, 4 Yelverton Road⁶. Councillor Boswell expressed disappointment that the development did not meet the Wandsworth Plan or London Plan standards for the distribution of affordable housing, noting it was 100% intermediate and lacked social rent homes. Mr. Grainger explained that this was a Section 73 application, which did not allow for revisiting viability or tenure distribution.

Other Decisions

The committee also received reports and approved recommendations for:

• Closure of Investigation Files (Paper No. 24-331)
• Closed Appeals (Paper No. 24-332)
• Tree Preservation Orders (Paper No. 24-333), confirming TPO 491/2024 for trees at 14 Earlsfield Road, SW18 3DW, and TPO 492/2024 for a Eucalyptus tree at 10 Parkstead Road, SW18 5HS.
• Decisions (Paper No. 24-330) on recent planning application decisions made under delegated authority and by the committee.