The Wandsworth Borough Council Planning Applications Committee met on Thursday, 18th January 2024, to discuss several planning applications and policy updates. The committee granted planning permission for a new café on Clapham Common and the temporary retention of a building in Battersea Park, but refused permission for a development at 10 Alderbrook Road. They also adopted an updated Local Enforcement Plan.

Applications Discussed

Former Public Convenience at Clapham Common, Clapham Common West Side, London SW4 9AZ

The committee unanimously approved planning permission for the conversion of the former public convenience on Clapham Common into a café. Members noted that the proposal represented a significant improvement on the existing semi-derelict building. While Councillor Leonie Cooper expressed initial reservations about developing on Metropolitan Open Land, she supported the application due to the existing structure and the provision of new public conveniences. The committee also resolved to add informatives encouraging the use of reclaimed metal for railings and adherence to the latest building regulations, including accessibility standards.

10 Alderbrook Road, SW12

The committee refused planning permission for the demolition of an existing property and the erection of a three-storey building to create five self-contained flats. Councillor Ravi Govindia proposed the refusal on the grounds of overdevelopment and a lack of amenity space for four of the proposed units. This was seconded by Councillor Guy Humphries and carried by a majority of eight votes to two. Councillor Lynsey Hedges, the Ward Councillor for Balham, had spoken in objection, raising concerns about overlooking, loss of daylight, and the impact on residents of the adjacent Thurleigh Court.

Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, London

Temporary planning permission was granted for the retention of an existing temporary building in Battersea Park for a further four years. The building, used for various events, had its previous temporary permission expire in October 2023. Councillor Mark Justin expressed concern that the proposal amounted to a permanent development, and members questioned why permanent permission had never been sought previously. The committee was unanimous in their view that the applicant should seek to bring forward a permanent application before the cessation of any grant of temporary permission. Councillor Paul White praised the application's sustainability section, which included food waste segregation.

Policy and Procedural Matters

Outstanding Planning Applications Committee Resolutions

The committee noted that following the departure of the Assistant Director of Environment & Community Services (Planning and Transport Strategy), the authority to progress previous committee resolutions, including those subject to S106 Legal Agreements, now rests with the Head of Development Management (Wandsworth) and the Head of Strategic Development for specific regeneration areas. This change is a procedural matter arising from a restructuring of senior roles within the council.

Local Enforcement Plan Update

The committee adopted the proposed updated Local Enforcement Plan. The Team Manager (Planning Enforcement) highlighted that Wandsworth is one of the most active enforcement authorities in the country. The Chair expressed a desire for the new plan to be well publicised, and it was noted that an abstract example of a case that may not be expedient to pursue would be included. The updated plan will be available on the council's website, with links to report potential planning breaches.

Decisions

The committee received a report for information detailing the number of recent decisions on planning applications made under delegated authority and by the Planning Applications Committee.

Closure of Investigation Files

The committee received a report for information regarding the closure of investigation files on complaints alleging a breach of planning control during December 2023.

Closed Appeals

The committee received a report for information on appeals closed between 4th December 2023 and 8th January 2024.