The Planning Applications Committee meeting on 20 January 2026 saw the approval of several significant development proposals, including residential units in Balham and Mitcham Road, and a substantial expansion of the Vivienne Westwood studios in Elcho Street. The committee also confirmed three Tree Preservation Orders and noted recent planning decisions and closed investigation files.

Residential Development in Balham High Road

The committee approved the erection of a part two and three-storey building to provide 8 residential units on land rear of 161-165 Balham High Road SW12 9AU. The proposal includes alterations such as the relocation of an existing substation and the provision of waste and cycle stores. The development, which will be CIL liable, was approved with conditions.

Residential Development in Mitcham Road

Permission was granted for external and internal alterations to existing flats and a shop at 170-172 Mitcham Road SW17 9NJ to create 8 new residential units. The proposal includes a new shopfront, rear extensions, and alterations to the roof to create mansard extensions and roof terraces. The development was approved with conditions and is CIL liable.

Elcho Street Development for Vivienne Westwood Studios

A significant proposal for the erection of a part two and three-storey extension to the central and northern part of the building at 9-15 Elcho Street SW11 4AU, including a new basement, was approved. This expansion aims to support Vivienne Westwood's international growth and will provide additional floor space for research and development. The development, which includes a S.106 legal agreement and is CIL liable, was approved with conditions.

Longley Road Shed Application

Retrospective planning permission was granted for the erection of a shed to the rear of the communal garden at 51 & 53 Longley Road SW17 9LA. The shed, intended for landlord storage, was approved with conditions, following a previous refusal for a much larger outbuilding on the same site.

York Road Development - Variation of Conditions

A variation of conditions application for the development at 100 and 110 York Road SW11 3RD was approved. The changes primarily involve the amalgamation of three existing flats on Level 14 of the tower into one larger four-bedroom flat, reducing the total number of residential units from 177 to 175. The development requires a S.106 legal agreement and is CIL liable.

Tree Preservation Orders

The committee confirmed three Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs):

• TPO 510/2025: Protecting a Grapefruit tree at 67a Queenstown Road SW8 3RQ, noted for its rarity and public amenity value.
• TPO 511/2025: Protecting a London Plane tree at 210 Burntwood Lane SW17 0AN, a mature and significant tree visible in the street scene.
• TPO 512/2025: Protecting a Lime tree at 228a Beechcroft Road SW17 7DP, a mature tree in a conservation area, protected despite previous concerns about its size and proximity to a house.

Recent Decisions and Closed Investigation Files

The committee received reports on recent planning decisions made under delegated authority and by the committee itself, showing a high approval rate. They also noted the closure of investigation files for breaches of planning control in December 2025, with most cases resolved.

Closed Appeals

A report on appeals closed during December 2025 indicated that out of 13 appeals, 2 were allowed and 11 were dismissed. The dismissed appeals included cases related to window replacements, roof extensions, and the retention of front garden structures, often due to harm to character, appearance, or living conditions.