The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to discuss several planning applications and review recent decisions. The committee commented on applications for land adjacent to Creative House, land to the rear of 2 Altenburg Gardens, and 215 Franciscan Road, while strongly objecting to the application for Flat C, 25 Prince of Wales Drive. They also noted recent decisions on planning applications, including refusals and appeals.

Applications Discussed

Land Adjacent to Creative House, 124b Prince of Wales Drive, SW8 4BJ

The committee commented on the proposal to demolish an existing single-storey building and erect four four-bedroom townhouses over four storeys on a former car park. While acknowledging the quality of the proposed housing and its attempt to fit into the area's character, members felt the design did not fully align with surrounding properties. Concerns were raised about the height and the steep pitch of the roof, though the design was considered more acceptable in contrast to the unattractive Creative House next door. The committee agreed to comment on the application without outright support or opposition. No car parking spaces are to be provided, with secure cycle storage offered instead. The Highways Team was consulted on the entrance proposals.

Land to Rear of 2 Altenburg Gardens, SW11 1JJ

The committee commented on proposals to change the use of a workshop/storage building and an office building to residential use, involving part demolition and alterations to create two two-bedroom and one five-bedroom unit. Members noted the historical significance of the area, which was once home to Adam Worth, the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes's antagonist, Moriarty. They requested that the developer consider acknowledging this association through naming or signage. Objections from residents and societies regarding overlooking and intrusiveness were discussed, but the committee found it difficult to assess the full impact from the provided drawings. They requested more accurate and easily interpretable drawings from the developer and acknowledged the need to balance potential noise pollution from the current industrial use against the impact of new development on sunlight.

215 Franciscan Road, SW17 8HJ

The committee objected to alterations including the demolition of single-storey garages, the erection of a single-storey rear extension, a cycle store, a dormer roof side extension, and the installation of a circular window. The committee expressed disappointment with the provided designs, finding them difficult to understand. While the removal of garages was seen as beneficial, the site's location within a conservation area and on an incline meant variations from the surrounding area would be more noticeable. Concerns were raised about the height of the extension, though officers confirmed it matched the neighbouring property. The committee considered the rooflights inappropriate and highly visible, not in keeping with the area's character. They concluded that the downsides outweighed the benefits of removing the garages and therefore objected to the application.

Flat C, 25 Prince of Wales Drive, SW11 4SD

The committee strongly objected to alterations including the replacement of a hipped roof with a roof extension to create an additional floor of accommodation, the formation of a front roof terrace, and an extension above the back addition with a roof terrace. Officers confirmed that chimney stacks would be removed as part of the development. Members expressed strong opposition, deeming the loss of the hipped roof and chimneys harmful to the conservation area. They agreed the development was inappropriate, would result in a loss of symmetry with the adjoining house, and would be intrusive from opposite buildings. The committee concluded the application was contrary to conservation area guidance and the council's Local Plan, causing harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Decisions Noted

The committee noted recent decisions on planning applications previously considered. The applications for Garages West of 61 to 67 The Limes and Land adjoining 99 Derinton Road were under appeal. The Chair expressed confusion regarding the refusal reason for the latter, citing national policy that permits development on up to 50% of garden land. The application for Land at Lennox Estate was withdrawn.

Other Business

Dr Michael Jubb, Chair of the committee, raised concerns about upcoming changes to the Planning Scheme of Delegation, driven by new national policy. He expressed significant worry about how these changes would affect the committee's ability to scrutinise applications and influence decisions, with an anticipated increase in officer-delegated decisions over those considered by the Planning Applications Committee. A request was made for an update report on this matter at the next meeting.