Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for the construction of 249 affordable homes in Mitcham, following a meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The decision greenlit the demolition of existing buildings at 1-12 Majestic Way to make way for a mixed-use development, which will include flexible commercial and community floorspace alongside the residential units.
All 249 homes will be provided as social rented units, with Merton Council receiving 55% of nominations for the first let and 100% for the second let. The developer, Clarion, is responsible for delivering these homes, with the funding secured through the provision of 100% affordable housing provision
as part of the development.
The scheme incorporates 1,308 sqm of flexible commercial floorspace and 423 sqm of community floorspace. The commercial areas are identified as Class E use, with potential applications including healthcare services, small convenience stores, cafes, or financial advisors. The community floorspace is designated as Class F2/F1. A Section 106 agreement includes a clause for reasonable endeavours to secure a community use provider to occupy the 423 sqm community floorspace within one year of completion of development before considering alternative uses falling within Use Class E
. The council may also take on the space if a provider cannot be found.
Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the height and massing of the proposed buildings, with some councillors and objectors citing potential impacts on the character of Mitcham Town Centre and nearby heritage assets, including the Grade I listed Eagle House and the locally listed White Lion of Mortimer pub. Officers acknowledged that the proposal did not strictly adhere to the Local Plan's policy on tall buildings but concluded that the public benefits, including the provision of 100% affordable housing and public realm improvements, outweighed the identified harm to heritage assets.
Conditions were imposed to mitigate impacts on St Mark's Primary School, including screening for balconies. An air quality contribution of £15,000 per annum during demolition and construction
is also secured via the Section 106 agreement, and a Construction Logistics Plan
will be required. Noise restrictions during market times were also discussed.
The development will include 25 on-site car parking spaces, supporting a car-lite
approach due to the site's high public transport accessibility rating (PTAL) of 5. The nearest public transport links include 10 bus routes within 300 meters of the site, with stops at Mitcham Upper Green and Raleigh Gardens. Mitcham Eastfield's rail station is approximately 850 meters northeast of the site.
A Section 106 legal agreement will secure contributions towards Active Travel Zone improvements, air quality, carbon offset, local employment, and NHS healthcare capacity. The Active Travel Zone improvements include brighter lights along the identified routes 1-6
, adding murals along walls or public art installation
, and enhance provision of formal seating
, as detailed in the Transport Assessment dated June 2026.
Regarding other local infrastructure, the development includes highway works such as the relocation of a bus stand and provision of a blue badge parking space. Thames Water has no objection regarding wastewater network and sewage treatment works infrastructure capacity, but requires conditions regarding surface water drainage and potential groundwater discharges. Waste management services are addressed with a thorough operational waste management strategy and bin numbers, to be conditioned. The development also includes a £30,000 contribution towards the NHS for primary healthcare capacity.
