The Wandsworth Planning Applications Committee met on Wednesday 21 August 2024, approving several planning applications and confirming a Tree Preservation Order. Key decisions included granting permission for an Intensive Therapy Unit at St George's Hospital, approving a two-year temporary permission for a flower stall outside Clapham Junction station, and granting permission for the Riverside Business Centre redevelopment. The committee also addressed enforcement action regarding a basement flat at 310 Queenstown Road, recommending action to secure its cessation as self-contained accommodation.

St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, SW17 0QT

The committee unanimously approved the application for a new part two, part three-storey Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) building at St George's Hospital. The proposal, recommended for approval subject to a Section 106 planning obligation and conditions, was noted to be functional and would be largely masked by a future renal facility. Concerns were raised about the hospital estate's masterplan not being shared previously, and disappointment was expressed that certain targets, such as BREEAM, had not been met to the highest standards, with a hope for future applications to exceed these. Councillor Ravi Govindia questioned the employment contribution of £56,718, viewing it as a bizarre way of one bit of public purse taking money out of another bit of public purse based on a mythical formula. Mr. Grainger, from Development Management, explained that the contribution was formulaic and intended to enable individuals to gain employment during the construction and operational phases of the facility, covering administration and delivery costs. The committee also discussed greening the building, with officers stating that due to proximity to other buildings and building control matters, green walls were deemed unfeasible, though the urban greening factor had been increased.

Clapham Junction Railway Station Flower Stall On Pavement Facing Entrance to Junction Shopping Centre, St John's Hill, SW11 2QP

The committee approved the retention of the existing flower stall for a temporary period of two years, with four votes for, two against, and one abstention. Councillors acknowledged the stall's popularity but agreed it was in the wrong place, causing inconvenience for meeting people and cluttering the street scene. Objections highlighted the obstruction to the station entrance, pedestrian crossing, and the visual impact on the Clapham Junction Conservation Area. Councillor Finna Ayres suggested a three-year extension to encourage the applicant to find a better solution, while Councillor Guy Humphries proposed two years, noting that a five-year permission had been granted previously in 2017, overturning an officer recommendation for refusal. Mr. Granger confirmed that the current structure was significantly larger than the original stall dimensions. The committee ultimately voted for a two-year temporary permission to focus the applicant on finding an alternative location.

Riverside Business Centre, 168 Haldane Place, SW18 4UD

Planning permission was granted for variations to conditions on the redevelopment of the site for residential and commercial units, with five votes for, one against, and one abstention. The changes were primarily linked to updated fire and building regulations, requiring additional staircases in Blocks D and G. Councillor Ravi Govindia sought clarity on how many units would not comply with LP27 regarding external amenity space, with officers confirming only three studio flats in Block F were exceptions, as previously approved. Councillor Govindia also requested details of the £25,000 contribution for improved visitor access to the river from King George's Park. Councillor Paul White expressed disappointment that the affordable housing provision of 21 social homes did not meet the council's target of 50 affordable homes and a 70/30 split, though he welcomed the removal of basements and sustainability improvements. Councillor Guy Humphries praised the increase in four-bedroom units, which are in high demand. Officers clarified that the application was for variations to an already approved principal application.

23 & 25 Oxford Road, London, SW15 2LG

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for the modest extension, consisting of two rear dormer windows. Councillor Jeffreys had submitted a letter reiterating resident objections, primarily related to a previous, larger proposal. Officers explained the consultation process, noting that 22 letters were sent for the first consultation, resulting in 12 responses, and a revised scheme led to a second consultation where 22 letters prompted only four responses. Councillor Hunt expressed concern about the consultation process, suggesting it might have been prudent to re-consult more widely given the initial strong objections, even with a reduced scale. Officers explained that re-consultation was not always undertaken for smaller schemes due to costs, but in this case, it was deemed appropriate due to significant public interest.

Car Parking Spaces West Of 85 Swaffield Road, SW18 3TH

Planning permission was granted for nine units on a car parking space, with four votes for, two against, and one abstention. Concerns were raised about the protection of mature trees on Oakshaw Road due to the proposed basement box, the window-to-window distances between proposed townhouses and flats, and the adequacy of the pathway for wheelchair accessibility. Officers stated there were no specific tree protection conditions as the trees were outside the red line boundary. Distances between buildings were confirmed to be between 14 and 18 metres, and the pathway would be 1.6m at its narrowest. Councillor Ravi Govindia proposed deferral to clarify parking implications, the design of House Number 3, and the impact on the Oakshaw Road tree. However, the Legal Advisor noted that parking leasehold arrangements were a civil matter and not a material planning consideration. Councillor Humphries agreed that deferring on parking grounds was not sound and withdrew support for the delay. The committee proceeded to approve the application.

1 Jeptha Road, SW18

Planning permission was granted for the conversion of the property into two three-bedroom houses, with five votes for and two against. Concerns were raised about the internal planning of the units, specifically internal bathrooms without windows and the lack of utility rooms on the ground floor. Mr. Nick Calder, Head of Development Management, clarified that building control would address operational aspects, and while officers assess room sizes and layouts, they cannot control all internal design choices. Councillor Govindia moved for refusal on the grounds of overdevelopment, citing the impact of Juliet balconies on neighbouring gardens and privacy. Councillor Guy Humphries agreed, noting the tight site and small distances between properties, leading to concerns about overbearing and overlooking impacts. The original house size was 160 square meters, with the two resulting properties being 119 square meters each. The recommendation to approve was carried.

Enforcement - 310 Queenstown Road, SW8 4LT

The committee unanimously authorised the issue of an enforcement notice to secure the cessation of the use of the basement flat as self-contained residential accommodation. Officers reported that while three of the four converted flats met council policies, the basement flat was in Flood Zone 3a, and there was a strong policy against residential units in such areas. The other three flats were considered acceptable on balance, despite minor issues with size and lack of outdoor space, due to the property's location opposite Battersea Park and the potential impact of enforcement on current tenants.

Tree Preservation Order - TPO 485/2024 Roehampton Sports and Fitness Centre, Laverstoke Gardens, SW15 4JB

The committee unanimously resolved to confirm the Tree Preservation Order. The order was made to protect a mature Oak tree following a request after an application was submitted proposing works that would have harmed the tree. No objections to the order were received.

Decisions, Closure of Investigation Files, and Closed Appeals

The committee received reports for information on recent planning decisions, the closure of investigation files, and closed appeals. The decisions report showed a consistent approval rate for delegated decisions and a 100% approval rate for committee decisions during the reported periods. The closure of investigation files indicated various outcomes, including no breach, not expedient to enforce, and notices complied with. The closed appeals report detailed a mix of allowed and dismissed appeals, with comments on the reasons for the decisions.