Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved a proposal to reconfigure flats at 150a-170 Penwith Road, sparking concerns over the reduction of affordable housing. The committee convened on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, to discuss the application, which seeks to increase the number of residential units from 17 to 19 while decreasing the proportion of affordable homes from 47% to 32%.
The developers presented viability assessments to justify the reduction in affordable housing, which were independently assessed by the council in 2022. According to Miss Richards, the team leader for the west area, these assessments concluded that the proposed number of affordable units was reasonable at the time.
The proposal has faced considerable scrutiny, with a similar application previously refused in December 2024 due to inadequate affordable housing provisions. An appeal against that refusal was also dismissed in January 2025. Despite this history, the current application has garnered support from residents eager to finalise legal situations and move forward with the development. These residents are in a legal situation
because the building cannot be fully handed over until all flats are sold.
I am really dissatisfied with this,
said Councillor Colquhie for St Mary's Ward, Battersea, expressing concerns that the developers had built a non-compliant unit and were now seeking retrospective permission. She also noted that the new mix of affordable units, consisting of six one-bed flats, did not comply with the local plan's requirement for around 40% family-sized units.
Miss Richards acknowledged the regrettable situation but noted that the committee had previously accepted a six-unit mix in 2022, subject to viability assessments. She also pointed out that the site is nearly complete and many units are occupied, further complicating enforcement action. Enforcement actions were considered too complicated due to the legal interests of the residents who had already moved into the premises.
Councillor Worrell raised concerns about the reliability of the developers, questioning what reassurance the council had that agreements would be honoured. Mr Moores, the External Legal Advisor, responded by emphasising that trust was not a material planning consideration and that each application must be assessed on its merits. He also noted that if the developers fail to honor the agreements, the council could pursue enforcement actions, including injunctions, although a detailed report would need to come back to committee members for approval before any particular enforcement action is taken.
Despite the concerns, the committee ultimately voted to approve the application, with five votes in favour, two against, and one abstention. The decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Wandsworth Council in balancing development pressures with the need to provide affordable housing in the borough.