Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has agreed to take enforcement action against a property on Elmshaw Road for an unauthorised change of use.

The decision, made during a meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, concerns 28 Elmshaw Road, SW15 5EL, which has been converted from a single-family dwellinghouse into four self-contained flats without the necessary planning permission.

A row of modern brick houses, one with a car parked in its driveway
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 enforcement action will require the property owner to cease the unauthorised use of the building as four flats and return it to its original condition as a single dwellinghouse. This authorisation is in line with section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Should the owner fail to comply, the council is authorised to pursue prosecution proceedings or take direct action under sections 178 and 179 of the Act.

The report indicates that the owner was previously contacted and advised that the conversion was in breach of planning controls, and was instructed to restore the building. However, to date, no action has been taken, and the property remains in use as four self-contained flats.

Floor plan illustrating the layout of a proposed residential development, showing multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, and kitchens, with dimensions and room labels.
Floor plan illustrating the layout of a proposed residential development, showing multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, and kitchens, with dimensions and room labels.Source: Planning Applications Committee papers, 25 June 2026

Regarding previous enforcement cases in the area, the report for 28 Elmshaw Road notes a closed case in 2021 (2021/0088/ENF) where a property was converted into a four-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Additionally, an enforcement notice was served in 2015 (2015/0237/ENF) concerning the subdivision of a property into two flats. There was also a withdrawn application in 2025 (2025/3900) related to solar panels and a refused application in 2018 (2018/5599) for subdivision into two flats.

From the property owner's perspective, there is a right to appeal the enforcement notice. Such an appeal would be heard by an independent planning inspector.

More information on the committee's decisions can be found in the Public reports pack for the Planning Applications Committee meeting on 25th June 2026.