Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee meeting on 4 September 2025. The meeting was scheduled to take place at Richard Challoner School. On the agenda were planning applications for 11 Cotsford Avenue and 23-29 Blagdon Road.

23-29 Blagdon Road, New Malden

An application relating to 23-29 Blagdon Road was scheduled to be discussed. The application sought to amend planning permission 98/4151/SR, which was granted on 19 October 1999, by removing condition 5. This condition restricts the opening hours of the retail unit, which has been approved to operate as an indoor sport and recreation facility, from 6:30 am to 10 pm Mondays to Fridays and 9 am to 7 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays.

The report pack noted that the key issues to consider were the impact on residential amenity, and highways and transportation.

The application was made under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which allows applicants to apply for planning permission for development of land without complying with conditions subject to which a previous planning permission was granted.

According to the report pack, 23 representations were received objecting to the proposals, and 1 was neutral. Concerns were raised about an increase in noise and disturbance, increased traffic congestion, increased air pollution, and increased anti-social behaviour.

The council's Neighbourhood Traffic Engineer and Environmental Health Officer reportedly raised no objections.

The report pack stated that a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) was submitted with the application, and that the applicant confirmed that gym classes are not proposed between 10 pm and 6 am to avoid loud music during sensitive times. The NIA also reportedly confirmed that noise from general gym activities during the night is expected to be at least 5dB below the otherwise prevailing ambient sound level at the façade of the nearest affected noise-sensitive properties.

The report pack also stated that a parking survey was submitted, and that the results confirm that on-street car parking occupancy ranged from 66 to 85% at the survey times. The parking survey reportedly included user data for the existing PureGym site in Kingston as a comparison for the proposal, which demonstrates that, on average, 12 people visit the gym per hour on weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 10 pm and 6 am.

The report pack stated that the recommendation was to:

Agree to approve the application subject to conditions and to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to: Finalise the recommended conditions as set out in this report, including such amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Director of Planning and Regeneration (in consultation with the Chair of the Neighbourhood Committee) considers reasonably necessary.

11 Cotsford Avenue, New Malden

The committee was scheduled to consider a householder planning application for 11 Cotsford Avenue. The proposal included the demolition of an existing side conservatory, the erection of a part two-storey/part single-storey rear and side extension, and a single-storey front porch extension. It also included roof alterations with a first-floor front extension, one front dormer, an increase in roof height, and the installation of one front and four side rooflights.

The report pack noted that the key issues to consider were character and design, impact on residential amenity, fire safety, trees, and highways.

According to the report pack, five objections to the application were received. The material issues raised in the representations were the effects on trees, excessive height or bulk of buildings, inappropriate design/layout, loss of light/sunlight, access or traffic problems, and car park issues.

The council's Tree Officer reportedly raised no objection, subject to a condition requiring compliance with the submitted Arboricultural Report.

The report pack stated that the recommendation was to:

Agree to approve the application subject to conditions and to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to: Finalise the recommended conditions as set out in this report including such amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Director of Planning and Regeneration (in consultation with the Chair of the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee considers reasonably necessary.

Other items

The agenda also included items for apologies for absence, confirmation of the minutes from the meeting held on 13 November 2024, and declarations of interest.