Application Number: 19/P4047     Ward: Figges Marsh

Officer Recommendations: GRANT Permission subject to the completion of any enabling agreement and conditions

RESOLVED that Application 19/P4047 be GRANTED Planning Permission subject to the completion of any enabling agreement and conditions.

Proposal: Erection of a five storey building to create 21 new residential units. Comprising of one and two bedroom apartments, associate cycle parking, disabled parking bays and public realm enhancements.

The Committee noted the report and presentation of the Planning officer, and the modifications contained in the supplementary agenda.

An objector had registered to speak in objection and at the invitation of the Chair made the following points:

·         There was a lack of parking in the area for businesses and the application site was currently used by patients of the GP surgery and the local businesses.  The nearby multi-storey car park was not considered safe.  The proposal was out of character and there were other suitable brownfield sites which could be redeveloped.

The applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application, addressing the concerns of the objector and stated that the site had been designated for residential use and had a PTAL rating of 5 with spare capacity for parking in the area. 

The Development Control Team Leader (South) advised that the Government’s national planning guidance stated that developments must be determined in accordance with the area’s local development plan.  The Merton Plan had designated the site for residential use.  In response to Member questions, he advised the following:

·         As the quantum of affordable housing was across all four applications as a package then if one or two of the applications were refused, the viability assessment would need to be re-examined.

In response to a Member question, the Transport Planning Officer explained the PTAL rating and how this was calculated.  A PTAL rating of 5 was considered to be high and access to public transport in the area was good and therefore less parking was required.

In response to a Member question, the Development Control Team Leader (South) advised that

·         the route from the dwellings to London Road will remain.  The report set out proposed improvements to the footpath.

·         The presence of the flats on the site would create surveillance on the footpath which could improve the sense of security for its users.

·         The designation of the site for housing would have been the subject of significant consultation as part of the development of the current and draft local plan.  The traffic and parking issues had been addressed in the report.

·         Each application must be determined on its own merits, however the package of affordable housing was based on all four applications being approved and if Members were minded to refuse one or more of the applications, then the financial viability of the package of four applications would be affected.

Some Members were concerned that each application should be considered on its own merits and the ability of the developer to deliver affordable housing separately should not be a concern of the Committee.

One Member welcomed the strategic approach of Mertantun Development Ltd and the achievement of 21 affordable homes in Mitcham if approved.  They felt that the application was a good one which added positively to the neighbourhood.

At the conclusion of the debate, the Chair moved to a vote and it was

RESOLVED that Application 19/P4047 be GRANTED Planning Permission subject to the completion of any enabling agreement and conditions.