Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for the demolition of a former nursery building at 18 Latchmere Road, SW11 2DX, and its replacement with a new three-storey plus basement development. The decision, made on Thursday, June 25, 2026, will see the creation of nine self-contained residential units and a reprovisioned day nursery, intended to be operated by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Limited with a capacity for approximately 78 children.
The development, previously known as Bright Horizons Battersea Day Nursery and Pre-School, was granted permission with conditions and is liable for the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The estimated CIL amount to be collected is £70,681.21 for Mayoral CIL and £326,860.99 for Borough CIL.
The nine residential units comprise a mix of four one-bedroom, four two-bedroom, and one three-bedroom unit. The new structure has been designed to address previous concerns raised by the Planning Inspectorate regarding daylight, sunlight impacts, and loss of outlook, which had led to the refusal of a similar application. Officers explained that the redesign, particularly the setbacks of the first and second floors, specifically addressed these issues. Further details on how the setbacks address these concerns are outlined in the public reports pack Public reports pack 25th Jun 2026 19.30 Planning Applications Committee.
Concerns raised by Councillor Wyeth regarding the sufficiency of setback changes, noise from heat pumps, and the potential for residents to apply for parking permits in a car-free development were also addressed. Noise mitigation for heat pumps will be managed through specific conditions, including the requirement for further information and noise impact assessments for the equipment. Restrictions on lorries and traffic during construction and occupation are also covered by conditions and management plans, which will detail deliveries and other construction-related elements.
Regarding parking permits, officers confirmed policy limitations that prevent automatically withholding permits for schemes under ten units. The rationale behind this policy is detailed within the council's planning documents.
The decision was made at a meeting of the Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee, details of which can be found in the agenda Agenda frontsheet 25th Jun 2026 19.30 Planning Applications Committee.
