The Wandsworth Council Planning Applications Committee met on Wednesday 20 November 2024 to discuss several planning applications and other council matters. Key decisions included the approval of planning permission for new housing developments at Toland Square, Ackroydon Community Centre, and other sites, as well as the confirmation of Tree Preservation Orders.

Toland Square and Eastwood South Estate

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of 33 garages at Toland Square, Eastwood South Estate, and the construction of seven new family homes. Councillor Graeme Henderson, representing Roehampton Ward, spoke on behalf of residents, highlighting concerns about storage and car parking following the demolition of garages. He acknowledged the housing crisis and supported the application for larger properties but urged officers to work constructively with residents on storage and parking solutions. Planning officers confirmed that storage sheds would be provided before garage demolition, with priority given to estate residents. Transport Strategy officers addressed parking concerns, stating there would be no net change in parking and that new units could be accommodated. Discussions also touched upon the size of the proposed storage units compared to the original garages, with officers clarifying they were of a standard specification across the borough. Councillor Guy Humphries expressed disappointment that storage and parking issues had not been fully resolved before the committee meeting. Councillor Emmeline Owens raised a question about the impact on the nearby school, and officers confirmed that discussions were ongoing and conditions would address boundary treatments and construction impacts.

Ackroydon Community Centre

Planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of Ackroydon Community Centre, involving the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a part three-storey, part four-storey building comprising 13 affordable homes and a replacement community centre. Councillor Humphries raised concerns about historic flooding in the sunken garden area, which would be converted into a playground. Senior Planner Ben Hayter confirmed that a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) would be conditioned, and permeable surfaces would be used. Councillor Govindia sought clarification on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the provision of food waste collection, with officers confirming that food waste storage would be accommodated within the refuse store and that Condition 30 would be amended to include food waste storage and collection.

The Alders, Aldrington Road

Unanimous approval was granted for the planning application at The Alders, Aldrington Road.

21 Rowena Crescent

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing dwelling at 21 Rowena Crescent, retaining only the front elevation and party walls, to be replaced by a new two-storey dwelling with a rear roof extension and a three-storey back addition. Councillor Finna Ayres expressed concerns about the scale of demolition being unsustainable and stated she would not be voting for it. Councillor Guy Humphries raised questions about the air source heat pump in the garden, its noise levels, and shielding. The Area Team Manager confirmed that Condition 15 would ensure information on the heat pump's performance and noise levels was obtained prior to installation.

Vision Point, 4 Yelverton Road

Planning permission was granted for the development at Vision Point, 4 Yelverton Road. Discussions focused on the funding for council housing stock and the reasons behind the developer's failure to build wheelchair-accessible units as originally approved. The Area Team Manager explained that the funding was ring-fenced for existing council stock adaptation or for housing associations providing M4(3) standard housing. The process had been complicated by mismatches in development speed and initial approvals, leading to negotiations. Councillor Sheila Boswell expressed disappointment at the workaround for accessible housing and stressed the need to avoid such situations in the future. Councillor Ravi Govindia questioned the clarity of the floor plans regarding wheelchair-accessible units and whether the council's review process had been vigilant enough. Councillor Tony Belton, the Chair, shared a personal anecdote about losing garage space due to development. Councillor Paul White expressed delight with the environmental aspects but disappointment at the loss of potential housing units, which could have housed homeless families. Councillor Emmeline Owens inquired about the impact on the school, and officers confirmed discussions with the school and the inclusion of conditions for construction management plans.

Decisions Paper and Other Matters

The committee received reports on recent planning decisions made under delegated authority and by the committee itself. They also noted the closure of investigation files related to alleged breaches of planning control and received reports on closed appeals. Finally, two Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) were confirmed: TPO 491/2024 for trees at 14 Earlsfield Road and TPO 492/2024 for a tree at 10 Parkstead Road.