The New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday 6 November 2025 and approved a planning application for extensions to a property in New Malden. The meeting focused solely on this planning application.

Planning Application - 24 Poplar Grove, New Malden

The committee approved the planning application for the erection of a single-storey infill and first-floor rear extension, refurbishment of the existing roof with two rear dormers, demolition of an existing timber fence and rear outbuilding, and the erection of a brick boundary wall and single-storey rear outbuilding at 24 Poplar Grove, New Malden, KT3 3DA. The application also included fenestration alterations, the removal of a snag willow tree with replacement planting, and the replacement of existing single-glazed timber sash windows with double-glazed timber windows.

The application was referred to the committee because thirteen objections had been received from local residents. Concerns raised included the impact on trees, the excessive height or bulk of proposed buildings, inadequate landscaping, inappropriate design and layout, unacceptable or incompatible use, loss of light or sunlight, and loss of privacy.

Officers confirmed that the proposed outbuilding would not affect access to the alleyway behind the property. The construction of the proposed brick boundary wall would need to comply with the Party Wall Act 1996, which is separate from planning controls.

The council's Tree and Landscape Officer had no objections to the removal of the willow tree, noting it was of limited arboricultural value and did not meet the criteria for protection by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). The proposed replacement planting was considered adequate.

The Maldens and Coombe Conservation Area Advisory Committee raised no objections, stating the extensions would be in character and in harmony with the scale and materials of the surrounding area.

The committee considered the proposal in line with national and local planning policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the London Plan 2021, and the Kingston Core Strategy 2012. The key planning considerations were the principle of development, character and design, heritage assets, impact on residential amenity, trees, and fire safety.

Officers concluded that the proposed extensions were acceptable in terms of their design, siting, scale, height, form, and massing, appearing subservient to the host building and not adversely impacting the character and appearance of the local area. The scale and siting of the extensions were not considered to result in unacceptable impacts on the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, nor would new openings lead to overlooking or loss of privacy. The tree removal and replacement were deemed compliant with relevant policies. The proposal was also found to comply with fire safety requirements.

The recommendation to approve the application was agreed, subject to conditions. Authority was delegated to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to finalise these conditions.