Application number: 18/P2619      Ward: Dundonald

Officer Recommendation: GRANT Planning Permission subject to completion of a S106 Agreement and conditions

Granted Planning Permission subject to completion of a S106 Agreement and Conditions in the Officer’s report and additional Conditions imposed by the Committee and detailed in the Minutes

Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a part three / part four storey residential building comprising 32 self-contained flats (6 x studio, 11 x 1 bed & 15 x 2 bed)

The Committee noted the officer’s report and presentation and additional conditions in the Supplementary Agenda; Modifications 2.

The Committee received verbal representations from two objectors, who made points including:

·         The proposal is too big and entirely out of character  with the area. In the past there have been attempts to declare this area as an area of distinctive quality

·         The entrance should not be in Edna Road, but should be in Bushey Road. Do not understand why it is in Edna Road as this is a narrow cu-de-sac.

·         There were problems previously when this site was a garage with no access to Bushey Road. This proposal will create a dangerous traffic black spot

The Applicant’s Agent made points including:

·         We have worked closely with Merton Officers to provide much needed private and affordable homes

·         Some residents on Edna Road support this scheme as it will be much better for them than the garage

·         In response to concerns about massing, one storey was removed

·         The scheme does not cause any breaches to daylight or sunlight, and will improve the local environment

·         The development will be car free. The primary access will be Edna Road, but as the development is car free this will result in fewer car visits than the Car Sales and Service business received

·         The design will improve Edna Road as a new turning head will be introduced

The Committee received a verbal presentation from Ward Councillor Anthony Fairclough, who made points including:

·         There is a need for affordable homes, but not at any cost.

·         The Density of this development is nearly double that recommended by the London Plan

·         Parking and Traffic on Edna Road will be increased as there will visitors, contractors and delivery vehicles visiting the site.

Members asked why the access to the site was on Edna Road. The Transport Planning Officer replied that Bushey Road was a very busy road with a 40mph speed limit, and this was done to reduce conflict. The scheme is permit free so traffic from the site will be low. The Car Showroom does not generate significant movements at peak times.

Members asked about the previously refused scheme for the site (2007) and how this proposal has overcome the previous reasons for refusal. Officers explained that the previous scheme used Bushey Road for access and parking was proposed on that scheme. The current scheme is permit free and so has less impact. It should also be noted that this previous scheme was a number of years ago, and that the current scheme must be judged on its own merits.

Members asked about the Zip Car Scheme, and whether there is a problem with these cars being left on Edna Road. The Transport Planning Officer replied that the Zip Car Flex Scheme aims to keep their cars moving as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5