Sutton's Planning Committee has approved a proposal to convert the former Grantley Court Nursing Home in Cheam into nine residential units, including six family-sized homes, contributing to the borough's housing needs. The development will consist of 3 one-bedroom units, 3 two-bedroom units, 1 three-bedroom unit, and 2 five-bedroom units.
The decision, made at a meeting on 3 September 2025, paves the way for the erection of a single-storey detached dwellinghouse with accommodation in the roof space, and a change of use from Class C2 (Care home) to Class C3 (Dwellings) at 22 York Road.
The application, numbered 025/00548, includes a roof extension, a dormer extension to the rear, rooflights to the rear roofslope, a first-floor roof terrace, alterations to fenestration, bin and cycle stores, parking spaces, and vehicular access with associated landscaping.
The application was brought before the committee due to concerns raised by Councillor Hicks regarding the impact on neighbouring properties, a potential negative precedent for the area, increased traffic, and insufficient parking. Despite these concerns and 21 letters/emails of objection from nearby residents1, the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods, Spencer Palmer, recommended approval, stating that the development aligns with the borough's housing needs.
The Public reports pack 03rd-Sep-2025 19.00 Planning Committee stated that there is no policy to protect care homes, and the proposed development would contribute to housing needs within the borough. The report also stated that the development would respect the local context, would not harm the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, and would not adversely impact parking, highway safety, biodiversity, trees, or landscaping.
The committee ultimately voted to grant planning permission, subject to conditions outlined in appendix B of the report pack.
1 The 21 letters/emails of objection were received from the occupiers of the following addresses: 9 Bicknoller Close; 11 Brasted Close; 7B, 24 and 92 Cornwall Road; 75B and 80B Grange Road; 21A and 27 Holland Avenue; 30 Manor Road; 27A Sandy Lane; 42 The Avenue; and Beltane, Charlwood (12B) (x3), 20B, 26, 32, 35, 59 and 60 York Road.