Application: 20/P1738          

Ward: Abbey

Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission subject to any direction from the Mayor of London, conditions and completion of a S.106 legal agreement.

RESOLVED that the application number 20/P1738 be GRANTED planning permission subject to conditions.

Proposal: Demolition of buildings and a 2 phased redevelopment comprising a mixed use development with the erection of part basement, part single, part five, part 6, part 7, part 8 and part 9 storey buildings.

The Committee noted the reports and plans presented by the Planning Officer.

Two residents had registered to speak in objection, and at the invitation of the Chair, raised a number of points including the following:

·         There had no objections to the development of the YMCA, and fully support the YMCA aims;

·         Concerns were raised with regards to the current plans, related to an extensive breach through a number of properties on South Park Road and Trinity Road. The proposed development was located in a suburban setting;

·         The scale of the development was too excessive;

·         Concerns in relation to high noise levels, lack of privacy, parking issues and overshadowing, both for the existing properties and for residents of new development;

·         the proposal did not meet the Merton Strategy DMD, both with the quality of living conditions and privacy;

·         Local residents had experienced anti-social behaviour and trespassing from people staying at the YMCA hostel.

The applicant and the applicant’s agents had registered to speak, and advised the Committee that the YMCA had been serving the people of Wimbledon since 1870s.  YMCA had a desire to continue supporting young people in the community with a wide range of services for them to access. The new development would provide modernised accommodation, which would offer modern facilities, an upgraded affordable gym in large a studio space, new children's area and a new community cafe. Furthermore, the development would benefit the local community providing quality accommodation for local residents and community groups.

Councillor Hayley Ormrod (Ward Member for Trinity) had registered to speak on behalf of the residents in Trinity Ward.  She advised the Committee the concerns raised by residents relating to overpopulation of the area scale and density being excessive, loss of light and overshadowing and lack of parking. 

Councillor Eleanor Stringer (Cabinet member for Children’s Services and Education) had registered to speak, and at the invitation of the Chair informed the Committee that she welcomed the proposal as the current building was outdated and in need of renovation.  The proposal would benefit both the hospital and neighbouring residents, as well as providing new homes to residents. She further recognised the need to work closely with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Nigel Benbow (Ward Member for Abbey) had submitted a written speech which was read out by the Senior Democratic Services Officer. The Committee noted that Councillor Benbow welcomed the new redevelopment of the YMCA. Nonetheless, he did not feel the proposed development was complete and stated that this could be improved to become acceptable in the residential area of Wimbledon. He further stated that there was a lack of pavement space on Trinity Road. The development was overlooking to the South Park Road properties, and was two meters away from the end of their gardens and the boundary of the YMCA redevelopment.  Furthermore, issues had been raised around anti-social behaviour and residents needed reassurance in term of their security and protection for both neighbouring residents and occupants of the hostel. There were also concerns that the proposed building was too excessive in height and would block daylight and sunlight to the surrounding properties. 

Councillor Paul Kohler (Ward Member for Trinity) had registered to speak on behalf of his constituents. He explained to the Committee that he was in support of the proposal, however recognised some residents had raised concerns and requested YMCA to continue to work with the community to address their concerns. Furthermore, he was pleased that the development had agreed not to concede any work during the weekends.

During the ensuing debate, Members expressed both their support and concerns relating to the proposal. Members’ extended their gratitude to the applicant of YMCA, the objectors and everyone for their contributions, in particular, the planning officers for their hard work.

The Chair moved to the vote on the officers’ recommendation and it was

RESOLVED that the application number 20/P1738 be GRANTED planning permission subject to s106 agreement and conditions.