Application Number: 19/P1235      Ward: Merton Park

Officer Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission subject to conditions and Section 106 agreement

PAC Resolved that application 19/P1235 is:

Granted Planning Permission subject to conditions (and an additional condition that will be detailed in the minutes) and S106 agreement

Proposal: Erection of a 1 bed, single storey detached dwellinghouse. Resurfacing of existing access routes and associated security gates.

The Committee noted the officer’s report and presentation and information in the Supplementary Agenda – Modifications

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

·         The development will cause inconvenience and disruption to residents

·         There is a tree that is not mentioned in the application, and residents will not approve its removal

·         The development will block the emergency access to South Merton Station

·         Residents will not allow access

·         How will the CCTV operate and who will be responsible?

·         How will the locked gates operate and who will have keys?

·         Who will own and upkeep the road?

·         Other residents have not been consulted

·         Will the lighting be high or low lighting?

·         The application will disturb wildlife especially the resident colony of hedgehogs, who hibernate between October and April. They would need openings to get through the fences.

The Committee received a verbal representation from the Applicant who made points including:

·         We have worked for five years to develop this proposal and have worked closely with council Officers

·         Application is now recommended for approval by Merton Officers and we have met the requirements of the Metropolitan Polices’ Designing Out Crime’ Officer

·         The site is in an established residential area, close to the station with a good ptal rating. The development will be a modern one bedroomed bungalow and screening. No new access will be created.. This will be a simple and quick build and existing access will be resurfaced

·         All residents will have a key to the gates, and the lighting will be low level. Security will be improved by installing CCTV

·         The site is currently poorly used as a fly-tip and could provide hiding place for criminals. This development will regenerate, restore access and increase security of the site.

·         The Bungalow meets L:ondon Space standards and amenity space standards

In reply to points raised by the objectors the Building and Development Control Manager replied:

·         All development causes some temporary disruption but this will be a small and quick build.

·         There will be a legal agreement to prevent parking on site

·         Cannot consider the legal advice regarding access arrangements as part of the planning process

·         The tree is not very healthy and is not  subject to a TPO

·         CCTV, emergency access and lighting are matters for building control not Planning

·         The gates and access are not matters for planning this is a matter between the residents and applicant

·         A condition regarding wildlife, in relation to Hedgehogs, can be included

In reply to members’ questions the Building and Development Control Manager replied:

·         This is not a standard site, so as for a property with a long drive, residents will need to move their refuse to the main highway for collection

·         The 14m separation distance is not relevant because it occurs at a point where it is not possible to have overlooking

·         The development would certainly improve the surfaces in the area but it would be a personal view on whether it would improve the environment and enhance the area.

·         It is a car free development and is close to South Merton Station

Members made comments including:

·         Most alleyways are overgrown and underused, this seems like a good use of the area.

·         This area is currently very overgrown

·         We can make the development parking permit free but there is on street parking at Aylward Road, and this development could add to pressure on that road.

·         Concerns are all about access and if the site is developable

·         Alley gate schemes can be fraught, all parties have to agree

A member proposed a motion to refuse for the reason that the backland nature of the development left it removed from the standard services and amenities. However this did not receive a seconder.

An additional condition, regarding hedgehog protection measures, was proposed and seconded, and therefore included in the vote.

RESOLVED

Granted Planning Permission subject to conditions in the report, an additional condition regarding Hedgehog protection, and S106 agreement

The wording of the additional condition is delegated to the Director of Environment and Regeneration