Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved a revised plan for the Mitcham Gasworks Site, prioritising family homes and increasing carbon reduction. The decision, made at a meeting on 31 July 2025, modifies the original planning application 22/P3620, responding to local housing needs. The updated plans aim to deliver more family homes and achieve a greater reduction in carbon emissions, increasing it from 56% to 76%.
The updated proposal will see the number of homes on the Western Road site reduced from 579 to 569. Crucially, the housing mix will be adjusted to include fewer studio and one-bedroom flats, and more three and four-bedroom family units. This shift aligns with discussions with a local housing provider, with the intention that a Registered Provider can occupy more of the homes. The Public Reports Pack notes that the applicant is exploring options for a Registered Provider to enable them to deliver and occupy more of the homes at the site. The exact name and specific relationship with Merton Council is not specified in the provided text.
Other changes to the original plans include:
- Minor adjustments to building footprints
- A reduction in building heights by one storey on blocks D and E, which front Hay Drive
- Amendments to internal layouts
- Additional cycle parking spaces
- Alterations to elevations
- Changes to the energy strategy to improve carbon reduction from 56% to 76%
- Removal of roof plants
- Amendments to the landscape design
The committee agreed to grant the variation of condition, subject to conditions and the completion of a Deed of Variation. The Deed of Variation would secure:
- An updated carbon offset contribution, calculated to align with the updated calculation of the shortfall of on-site reduction in carbon emissions. The specific projects it will fund are not detailed in the provided text.
- An updated Open Mosaic Habitat Contribution, including an updated survey of existing habitat and calculation of on-site provision to be submitted and agreed with the local planning authority. The specific location where the habitat will be created or enhanced is not explicitly stated, but it implies on-site creation or enhancement.
- A playspace contribution
- Confirmation of final housing tenure
The development will still adhere to the heads of terms secured under the original Section 106 agreement, including 35% affordable housing provision, an air quality contribution of £20,000, a bus contribution of £475,000, and provision of five car club spaces. The report also mentions securing the number and tenures of the affordable housing proposed, ensuring affordability of the intermediate housing across a range of household incomes, and providing marketing information to show how the homes will be marketed to eligible households. Confirmation the affordability of all the affordable homes takes account of the impact of service charges. The agreement also seeks to secure the delivery/completion of 50% of the affordable housing units prior to occupation of no more than 50% of the private units and secure the delivery/completion of the remaining 50% of the affordable housing units prior to occupation of no more than 80% of the private units. An Affordable Housing Early Stage Review will be triggered if an agreed level of progress on implementation is not made within two years of the permission being granted (or a period agreed by the borough).
The Public Reports Pack notes that the design of the site largely remains the same as that approved under 22/P3620 which comprises 6 building blocks arranged around a central open space area with pedestrian/cycle links on all site frontage. The key changes being the reduction in building heights along Portland Road and Hay Drive by 1 storey and increase in building separation distance between Blocks e and F which allows an increase in quantum of open space.
Condition 1 states: The development to which this permission relates shall be commenced not later than the expiration of 3 years from the date of planning permission 22/P3260 dated 25 February 2025.
The timeline for the completion of the Deed of Variation is not specified.
