The Wandsworth Council Planning Applications Committee convened to discuss several planning and enforcement matters, including a controversial five-storey development on Upper Tooting Road, which was ultimately refused due to its disharmony with local planning policies and heritage concerns. The committee also approved domestic extensions to maisonettes on Khartoum Road, and two single-storey dwellings on Theatre Street, while authorising enforcement action for breaches of planning control at Many Gates and Parkgate Road.

Enforcement Notices

The committee addressed two enforcement notices regarding properties failing to comply with planning regulations.

5 Many Gates

The committee agreed to authorise enforcement action at 5 Many Gates, SW12 9JS, where a single house had been converted into two flats without planning permission. The council's Enforcement Manager, Mr. Raybould, explained that the property was too small to be converted under existing policy, as it only measured 90 square meters, while the minimum requirement was 130 square meters. Councillor Humphreys enquired how the council became aware of the unpermitted conversion, and was told that it was reported by local residents.

13 Parkgate Road

The committee voted to pursue enforcement action at 13 Parkgate Road, SW11 4NL, where a residential unit had been converted into an extension of a cafe, despite a previous planning application being refused. Councillor Govindia raised concerns about the assertion in the report that the cafe could function without the additional space and asked whether the owner had been asked to provide evidence that he could not function. Mr. Raybould clarified that the planning assessment focused on whether a small shop of that size could be viable in principle, not specifically whether that particular cafe could operate. Councillor Ayers expressed ambivalence, noting that while she would normally fight to protect a residential unit, the flat was quite a miserable little flat and the cafe seemed to serve the area well. Councillor Worrell stated that the premises had been many businesses over the years and that the cafe was used by students who mainly took food away, so did not see a loss of revenue if the notice was upheld. Councillor Govindia argued that policy should be upheld, regardless of sympathy for the cafe. The vote to pursue enforcement action passed with seven in favour, two against, and three abstentions.

Planning Applications

The committee then moved on to consider several planning applications.

32 and 32a Khartoum Road

The committee unanimously approved the officer's recommendation for domestic extensions to a purpose-built set of maisonettes at 32 and 32a Khartoum Road, SW17 0HZ, including roof extensions and a small terrace with a visibility screen.

96-104 Upper Tooting Road

The committee refused the application for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a part four, part five-storey building at 96-104 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7EN, to provide 23 residential units with commercial space. Mr. Granger, of the East Area team, explained that the proposal conflicted with the 2023 adoption of the local plan and was recommended for refusal on several grounds. Councillor Coakley described the application as probably the worst application that I've seen in terms of violations of the local plan. Mr. Granger elaborated on the difficulties in bringing the applicant to understand the changes in policy since 2019, particularly regarding fire safety and the tall buildings policy. Councillor Worrell asked about the possibility of the developer appealing and then submitting another application if the appeal was lost. Mr. Granger confirmed this was possible. Councillor Ayers criticised the design, citing north-facing single aspect flats, poor bike provision, and the negative impact on the street scene. Councillor Humphreys expressed frustration that the scheme could not be made acceptable, as more housing was needed in the borough. Councillor Pridham sought clarification on what changes would be needed for approval. Mr. Granger explained that a four-storey building would alleviate the tall buildings policy failure, and that the technical matters could be worked through, but it would likely result in a reduction of units, which the applicant found objectionable. Councillor Govindia raised questions about the future of the land at the back of the site, the change in policy framework around heights since the previous application in 2019, and the impact of recent announcements about single aspect units and bike parking standards. Nick Calder, Head of Development Management, clarified that there were no changes to policy at the moment, but there would be further consultations and guidance in the future. Councillor Belton stated he would go with the officer's recommendation of refusing it. The vote to refuse the application passed with seven in favour, three against, and three abstentions.

Workshop No 1 Rear Of 1 To 23 Theatre Street

The committee approved the officer's recommendation for two single-storey dwellings squeezed in between some former commercial buildings at Workshop No 1 Rear Of 1 To 23 Theatre Street, SW11 5ND. Councillor Apps expressed concerns about the development being very squeezed in and the potential for overlooking and overshadowing, particularly for the owner of 179A Latchmere Road, whose boundary wall might be built over. Councillor Humphreys thought it was quite clever and that you can get some cleverer developments on tight sites. Councillor Tiller wondered about fire safety for residents in Latchmere Road. Mr. Granger clarified that the single-storey structures would have no impact on daylight or sunlight and that fire safety was not a matter for this applicant to consider. Councillor Ayers thought it was one of the best we've seen in terms of respect for the neighbours . The officer's recommendation was approved with eight in favour and two against.

93 Wakehurst Road

The committee approved the officer's recommendation for a series of extensions to an existing dwelling house at 93 Wakehurst Road, SW11 6DA. Councillor Govindia raised concerns about the creeping loss of hip to gable extensions in the area. Mr. Calder responded that many of them were permitted development anyway.

Other Matters

The committee also agreed and noted the decisions paper, closure of investigation files, and closed appeals.