Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has granted temporary permission for the expansion of Arun Lodge, a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) located at 147 Earlsfield Road, SW18 3DD. The approval allows for alterations including a dormer roof extension to the main rear roof and a single-storey rear extension, increasing the number of bedrooms from seven to nine.

A modern residential building with a brick facade and a metal dormer extension.
A modern residential building with a brick facade and a metal dormer extension.Source: Planning Applications Committee papers, 25 June 2026

The decision, made during a meeting on Thursday, 25 June 2026, was based on the proposal being in accordance with local plan policies, subject to the inclusion of mitigation measures to protect residential amenity. These measures are secured by specific conditions attached to the planning permission.

Key Conditions for Approval

The permission is granted for a limited period of two years, after which the approved uses must cease and return to the previous B2 use unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. This temporary measure is intended to safeguard the amenities of the neighbourhood and local residents.

Other conditions include:

  • The development must be carried out in accordance with submitted reports, specifications, and drawings.
  • The premises shall not be open to customers between Sunday and Thursday: 08:00 to 23:00, and Friday to Saturday: 08:00 to 00:00 (midnight).
  • The external seating area is restricted to use between 10:00 and 20:00, after which tables and chairs must be folded, stacked, and secured.
  • A Flood Emergency Plan must be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the approved use.
  • Details of proposed refuse stores must be submitted to and approved by the local planning authority before the approved use begins.
  • Five cycle parking spaces must be provided and retained thereafter prior to the first occupation.
  • Details of the treatment of fumes and odours must be submitted to and approved by the local planning authority before any hot food is prepared.
  • The temporary use must be implemented in accordance with the Noise Assessment, Noise Management Plan, and Premises Licence & Operating Schedule.
  • The development must be implemented in accordance with the Flood Risk Assessment and Waste Management Plan.
  • No external lighting shall be installed without prior written approval from the Local Planning Authority, with schemes designed to minimise light spillage beyond the site boundary.

Garden Access and Maintenance

During the meeting, Councillor Chris Barron raised a point of clarification regarding garden access and maintenance. Officers indicated that while full access to the garden would not be available to all residents, an informative note would be added to the decision regarding garden maintenance. The building's reconfiguration means that although the main corridor on the ground floor would run towards the rear door, it would only be accessed by the person occupying the back bedroom. This limitation on full garden access for all residents, while seemingly a missed opportunity, is a consequence of the building's layout and potential issues that unrestricted access might create.

A row of modern brick houses, one with a car parked in its driveway, likely representing a planning application discussed at a council meeting.
A row of modern brick houses, one with a car parked in its driveway, likely representing a planning application discussed at a council meeting.Source: Planning Applications Committee papers, 25 June 2026

The decision to grant temporary permission for two years allows for monitoring and assessment of the impact on neighbouring residential occupiers before a decision for permanent use is made. Further details of the application can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting on 25 June 2026.