Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee faced heated debate over the proposed demolition of a home at 70 Thurleigh Road, sparking objections from neighbours and heritage societies.

The plan is to replace the existing two-story house with a replacement three-storey detached dwelling .

At a meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Hedges spoke on behalf of residents, voicing strong opposition to the application, citing procedural impropriety and substantial concerns about the impact on the Nightingale Lane Conservation Area. This application has caused real concern, she stated, highlighting issues with the planning notice and a prematurely published approval decision.

Architectural rendering of a proposed three-story detached dwelling at 70 Thurleigh Road, subject of a planning application.
Architectural rendering of a proposed three-story detached dwelling at 70 Thurleigh Road, subject of a planning application.

Concerns were raised about the loss of a characterful 1920s house and its replacement with a larger, bulkier building out of keeping with the area. Objectors also pointed to potential overshadowing of neighbouring homes and the removal of numerous trees. Councillor Hedges noted the environmental impact, stating the scheme removes 90% of on-site trees, including healthy, mature specimens.

Nigel Granger, the East Area Team Manager, defended the proposal, stating that the harm caused by the loss of the existing building would be at the very lower end of the less than substantial harm scale. He added that the replacement building would preserve the overall character and appearance of the conservation area.

Barry Sellers, Principal Urban Design Officer, said that the existing building was a pleasant building but it's been messed around somewhat because it's rough cast and brickwork they've all been painted over and it lacks particularly architectural features like some of the adjacent buildings .

Councillor Justin questioned the lengthy 25-month construction period, while Councillor Humphreys highlighted the ecological impact of removing trees. For the 7 Blenkarne Road application, Nigel Granger stated that there are a lot of replacement specimens indicated between pages 64 and 65 of the Public Reports Pack. He also mentioned the translocation of a magnolia tree in the front . Despite these concerns, the committee approved the application by a vote of six to three.