The Development and Planning Applications Committee of Merton Council met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss a significant planning application for the redevelopment of the Rainbow Industrial Estate in Raynes Park. The committee granted planning permission for the development, which will provide 294 residential units, subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions. The committee also noted reports on planning appeal decisions and a summary of current planning enforcement cases.

Rainbow Industrial Estate Redevelopment Approved

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Rainbow Industrial Estate¹ in Raynes Park, SW20 0JY. The development, proposed by Fairview New Homes Ltd², will provide 294 residential units, including 25 homes for London Affordable Rent and 7 for intermediate housing, equating to approximately 10.9% of the total homes. This decision was made despite concerns raised by objectors regarding the scale of the development, access and safety risks due to the single narrow access point under the railway bridge, potential flood risks, and the strain on local infrastructure such as GP surgeries and schools.

The applicant, David Chalmers, highlighted that the proposal represented a careful redevelopment of a brownfield site, delivering much-needed housing, including affordable and family accommodation, alongside green spaces and play areas. He also noted the scheme's contribution to Merton's housing supply and the significant Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts.

The committee discussed several key aspects of the proposal:

• Affordable Housing: While the proposed 10.9% affordable housing provision falls below the London Plan's threshold for fast-track approval, a viability assessment supported by an independent consultant concluded that this was the maximum achievable amount under current market conditions. The Section 106 agreement includes provisions for early and late-stage viability reviews and for the applicant to use reasonable endeavours to increase affordable housing levels if grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA)³ becomes available.
• Access and Safety: Concerns were raised about the single access point under the railway bridge. However, officers and consultees, including the Metropolitan Police⁴ and the Health and Safety Executive⁵, confirmed that emergency, refuse, and servicing vehicles could safely access the site. The development includes improvements to Station Approach, the access road, with enhanced lighting and resurfacing. A condition was imposed to ensure these works are completed by the time 50% of the units are occupied. CCTV will also be installed in key areas.
• Infrastructure Contributions: The committee agreed to Section 106 contributions totalling £654,131 towards various infrastructure improvements. This includes £180,000 towards step-free access at Raynes Park Station⁶, £98,155 for NHS infrastructure, £30,976 for additional policing infrastructure, £245,005 for carbon offsetting, £50,000 for transport improvements in the surrounding Active Travel Zone⁷, £30,000 for air quality monitoring, and £2,000 for Travel Plan monitoring. Some of these contributions were reduced from initial requests to maintain the scheme's viability and prioritise on-site affordable housing, as per London Plan policy DF1.
• Design and Amenity: The development, comprising nine blocks of varying heights (up to eight storeys), was considered to optimise the site's capacity while providing acceptable public realm and green spaces. The design incorporates a mix of brickwork, recessed elements, and pitched features, with a comprehensive landscaping scheme aiming for a 0.4 Urban Greening Factor⁸. The proposal also includes 32 wheelchair-accessible homes, exceeding the London Plan requirement.
• Sustainability: The development aims to achieve a 70% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to Part L 2021 Building Regulations, with measures including solar PV and air source heat pumps. A carbon offset contribution was agreed, aligning with the London Plan rate due to viability considerations. The scheme also incorporates biodiversity net gain measures, exceeding the 10% statutory requirement.

The decision to grant planning permission was made by a vote of 9 in favour, with 0 against and 0 abstentions.

Planning Appeal Decisions Noted

The committee received an update on recent planning appeal decisions. Of the seven appeals reported, three were allowed by the Planning Inspectorate, and four were dismissed. Notably, an appeal against the refusal of a lawful development certificate for a side and rear dormer roof extension at 17 Ravensbury Avenue, Morden, was allowed, overturning the council's delegated decision. Conversely, appeals against refusals for a single-storey outbuilding at 62 Glenthorpe Road, Morden; a part three, part two-storey building comprising five flats at 54A Longthornton Road, Streatham; a hip to gable roof extension at 190 Rowan Road, Streatham; and a ground floor rear and side extension, first floor rear extension, and second floor mansard extension at 33 Denmark Road, Wimbledon, were all dismissed. An appeal for the retention of a 3m high outbuilding at 150 Streatham Road, Mitcham, was allowed, and an appeal for a three-storey building with four two-bedroom and two one-bedroom flats at Site Between 6 & 8, Bordesley Road, Morden, was dismissed.

Planning Enforcement Update

The committee was provided with a summary of the Planning Enforcement Team's recent activities. In the period from 18 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, the team received 5 new complaints and closed 10 cases. Five new enforcement notices were issued, including three Breach of Condition Notices, one Enforcement Notice, and one other notice (PCN, TSN). The team is currently managing 250 current enforcement cases, with 2 new appeals and 7 existing appeals lodged. The report highlighted a significant backlog at the Planning Inspectorate for determining appeals, with waiting times of several months. Merton's Planning Enforcement team reportedly saw record-breaking activity in 2025, serving 50 more notices than in any previous year since digital tracking began in 2002, and is managing the highest volume of prosecutions in the department's history. Recent enforcement actions included notices served for an unauthorised two-storey side extension and rear dormer at 109 Lyveden Road; a breach of condition notice for landscaping at 163b Mostyn Road; an enforcement notice for a change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and a self-contained residential unit at 86 Tavistock Road; and untidy land notices at Abbey Wall, 32 Castleton Road, and 5 Netley Gardens. Notices were also served for a redundant hoarding and failure to provide car parking and landscaping at Land at R/O Stiles West Studios, Colliers Wood. Additionally, further breach of condition notices were served at 441 Commonside East for non-compliance with conditions related to vehicular access, boundary treatments, landscaping, electric vehicle infrastructure, cycle parking, and obscure glazing. An enforcement notice for a roof extension at 14 Cannon Close is currently under appeal.