Sutton Council is considering a proposal to convert office space in Carshalton Village into residential units, despite some local objections.
The Sutton Council Planning Committee convened on 2 July 2025, to discuss an application for the change of use of Stone Court and Stone Court Cottage from Class E (Offices) to Class C3 (Residential). The proposal aims to provide six self-contained residential units at the site on North Street, Carshalton, which is a locally listed building in the Carshalton Village Conservation Area.
The application, submitted by Neil Turner, includes:
- Accommodation in the roof space of the single-storey elements of Stone Court
- Demolition of a small
lean-to
extension - Alterations to the fenestration of Stone Court and Stone Cottage
- Alterations to existing boundary treatments
- Provision of vehicular and pedestrian access from Mill Lane
- Provision of cycle and refuse stores in an existing garage
The Public reports pack indicates that the application received three letters of objection, citing concerns such as the car park boundary not blending in with Grove Park, a lack of light in flats 108 to 115 Mill Lane, increased noise from the parking area, bin storage being too close to neighbours, access issues for Flat 1
when the park is locked, and increased traffic and parking overspill.
According to the Planning Committee agenda, the application was referred to the committee because the council has an interest in the land. Stone Court and the cottage are council-owned and subject to an agreement for long lease which is conditional on planning consent.
Regarding the impact on the Carshalton Village Conservation Area, the Stone Court and Stone Court Cottage - Committee Report states that the design is acceptable and would not harm the character of the property or the area. The proposed boundary treatments, including a 1.2 metre high chain link fence and 1.5 metre laurel hedge, are designed to integrate well with Grove Park. The boundary wall on Mill Lane will be rebuilt to match the existing style, set back from the road, with natural stained timber gates for vehicle access.
To address concerns about traffic flow and safety on Mill Lane, a transport statement by Highway Planning Ltd, dated September 2024, was submitted. The report concludes that the proposal would improve road safety due to increased visibility and sightlines, and reduced traffic activity.
An addendum to the meeting minutes in the Planning Supplement - Addendum and Minutes notes that a condition is required to ensure the vehicle access gates are electronically operated so that they can be activated / opened from a moving vehicle approaching the site. This is to ensure that the proposed development does not interfere with the free flow of traffic and conditions of safety on the public highway. This would be condition 20 and read as:
'The vehicle access gates hereby approved on Mill Lane must be electronically operated so that they can be activated / opened from a moving vehicle approaching the site. The electronic gates shall thereafter be permanently maintained.'
'Reason: To ensure that the proposed development does not interfere with the freeflow of traffic and conditions of safety on the public highway, in accordance with Policy 36 of the Sutton Local Plan 2018.'