The Planning Committee of Sutton Council met on Wednesday 28 October 2026 to discuss two planning applications. The committee granted permission for the demolition of a bungalow and the erection of two semi-detached bungalows at 5 Latimer Close, and also granted permission for a change of use from a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to a ten-bedroom HMO at 16 Onslow Gardens. An application for a burial ground development was withdrawn by the applicant prior to the meeting.

5 Latimer Close, Worcester Park

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of an existing bungalow and the construction of two semi-detached bungalows at 5 Latimer Close. The proposal includes alterations to land levels, solar panels, parking, refuse and cycle storage, and boundary treatments. This application had been deferred from a previous meeting due to receiving over ten objections.

Concerns were raised by objectors and some councillors regarding the potential for overdevelopment, the impact on the character of the cul-de-sac, and the adequacy of parking and amenity space. It was noted that the road is a cul-de-sac with existing detached bungalows, and the proposed development would introduce the only semi-detached properties. However, officers argued that the design was sympathetic to the context, with the new buildings set back from the front boundary and maintaining a similar height to existing properties. The internal floor space and garden areas for the proposed dwellings were deemed to meet or exceed required standards. The committee ultimately voted to grant permission, with Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Planning Committee, casting the deciding vote in favour after the vote was tied.

16 Onslow Gardens, Wallington

The committee granted planning permission for a change of use from a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to a ten-bedroom HMO at 16 Onslow Gardens. This application was also deferred from a previous meeting and had attracted over 20 objections.

Objectors raised concerns about the intensification of use, the impact on the Area of Special Local Character (ASLC), potential noise and disturbance from ten unrelated occupants, and parking issues. The applicant and officers highlighted that the property already operated as a lawful six-bedroom HMO and that the proposed change would not involve external alterations. A comprehensive HMO Management Plan was presented as a condition of the permission, designed to mitigate potential impacts on neighbours through strict controls on noise, behaviour, and waste management. The council's Environmental Health and Highways Officers raised no objections, noting that the HMO concentration remained below the council's threshold and that the parking survey indicated sufficient on-street capacity. The committee voted to grant permission, with seven votes in favour and three against.