The Development and Planning Applications Committee of Merton Council met on Thursday 30 July 2026. The committee considered a significant mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way, Mitcham, subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement. The committee also noted the contents of a report detailing recent planning appeal decisions.

1-12 Majestic Way, Mitcham, CR4 2JS

The committee considered a proposal for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of new buildings comprising flexible commercial and community floorspace, alongside residential accommodation. The development includes 249 social rented homes, with 55% of nominations to Merton Council on first let and 100% on second let. The scheme also incorporates 1,308 sqm of flexible commercial floorspace and 423 sqm of community floorspace.

Significant discussion took place regarding the height and massing of the proposed buildings, with concerns raised by objectors and some councillors about the development's impact on the character of Mitcham Town Centre and nearby heritage assets, including the Grade I listed Eagle House and the locally listed White Lion of Mortimer pub. Officers acknowledged that the proposal did not strictly adhere to the Local Plan's policy on tall buildings, but concluded that the public benefits, including the provision of 100% affordable housing and public realm improvements, outweighed the identified less than substantial harm to heritage assets. The scheme was also noted to have a Biodiversity Net Gain of +119.75%, exceeding the statutory requirement.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on St Mark's Primary School, particularly regarding overlooking and overshadowing. Conditions were imposed to mitigate these impacts, including screening for balconies. The scheme's design was noted to have evolved following feedback from Merton's Design Review Panel, moving from an initial Red rating to an Amber/Green rating.

The development includes 25 on-site car parking spaces, with a car-lite approach supported by the London Plan due to the site's high public transport accessibility rating (PTAL 5). This parking is to be allocated to residents from the Eastfields Estate decant strategy. Electric vehicle charging points will be provided for all parking spaces. Extensive cycle parking is also included, with 313 long-stay spaces for residents and 48 short-stay spaces for visitors and commercial use.

A Section 106 legal agreement will secure various contributions and measures, including:

• 100% affordable housing provision with nomination rights for Merton Council.
• Contributions towards Active Travel Zone improvements.
• An air quality contribution of £15,000 per annum during demolition and construction.
• Provision of car club spaces and membership.
• A car park management plan.
• Carbon offset contributions totalling £635,970.
• Reasonable endeavours to secure a community use provider for the 423 sqm community floorspace within one year of completion (this period was discussed and potentially extended to two years).
• Cycle hire parking allocation and credits for new units.
• Highway works, including the relocation of a bus stand and the provision of a blue badge parking space.
• Contributions towards local employment, the Metropolitan Police (£68,252.98), and the NHS (£30,000) for primary healthcare capacity.
• Off-site play provision to address a shortfall for older age groups.
• A Mitcham Town Centre Regeneration Contribution of £60,000.
• A tree bond to safeguard existing street trees.

Numerous conditions were attached to the planning permission, covering aspects such as approved plans, materials, landscaping, air quality management, construction hours, noise mitigation, refuse and recycling facilities, fire safety, and archaeological investigations. Conditions were also discussed regarding reasonable endeavours for retail unit occupation, community engagement in archaeological works, noise restrictions during market times, and the distribution of the Mitcham Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

Planning Appeal Decisions

The committee noted the contents of a report detailing recent planning appeal decisions. Of the appeals listed, one was allowed in part, and the remainder were dismissed. These decisions related to various planning matters, including extensions, changes of use, and enforcement appeals.