Local developments
P16/4853 - Former Wolfson Centre, SW20
To: Planning Representations
London Borough of Merton
From: RP&WBRA
Date: 13th February 2017
Re: Planning Application 16/4853 – Former Wolfson Centre, Copse Hill, SW20
We write to object to the above application which represents a significant departure from the established design principles with resultant negative impact on the Copse Hill Conservation Area. We would suggest that the design approach does not preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area and indeed has a negative impact on the neighbouring MOL (see 5.5 of the Merton Core Planning Strategy).
Most significantly, we object to the excessive increase in density proposed. The proposed density is close to 200 habitable rooms per hectare, which for this site, we believe, should be no more than 150 to 200. In a Conservation area such as this, we consider that the density should be very much at the lower end of this range. Also seeking to build 5 and 6 stories in a Conservation Area is unacceptable. The height should be restricted to that of the surrounding buildings.
Additionally, there is no compelling case for this revised P/A in terms of the number of proposed housing units.
(Figures sourced from Merton Annual Monitoring Report 2014/2015). The GLA London Plan target for Merton was 320 Dwelling Units per annum, which was well exceeded for 5 years in a row, but for the 5 years from 2016 to 2021 this target (set by GLA) has been increased to 411 dwelling units per annum. For years 2014/15 the number of housing completions was 459 well above not just the old target but also the new target.
Moreover Merton projected housing provision for the next 5 years safely exceeds not only the new target but also the figure if the 5% safety 'buffer' is added on.
The neighbouring site is a SINC – home to nocturnal bats and wildlife, we would suggest that there will be a detrimental impact of light pollution from the proposed large blocks.
According to Transport for London, this site has low public transport accessibility with a rating of 1b, i.e. only one bus and a 20 minute walk to the nearest station. The Application is proposing a total of 96 car parking spaces. These two factors suggest a potential for very many additional cars onto Copse Hill with a resultant deleterious effect on traffic congestion in the area and pollution.
Policy CS8 of the Merton Core Strategy sets a target of 40% affordable housing on sites providing 10 or more homes (subject to viability) and London Plan Policy 3.11 seeks to maximise affordable housing. This proposal allows for only 25 units (30%) which is inadequate.
In summary, the proposals are in conflict with Policy DM D2 (Design Considerations) of the Sites and Policies Plan July 2014 by failure to relate appropriately to the siting, scale, density and height of the surrounding buildings, the local context and the local landscape. Also the potential increase in traffic density is very likely to result in adverse impact on the lives of nearby residents and have adverse impact on road safety.
We urge the Planning Applications Committee to refuse this application.
