Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for a significant mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way, Mitcham. The project, which includes 249 social rented homes, flexible commercial floorspace, and community facilities, was granted permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement.
The development, described as car-lite
due to its high public transport accessibility rating (PTAL 5), will feature 25 on-site car parking spaces, all equipped with electric vehicle charging points. This approach aligns with the London Plan's emphasis on sustainable transport. The scheme includes 313 long-stay cycle parking spaces for residents and 48 short-stay spaces for visitors and commercial use. A site-wide framework travel plan has been submitted, and detailed travel plans for residential, non-residential, and commercial uses will be secured, enforced, monitored, and reviewed via the S106 agreement. A contribution of £2,000 is also sought for monitoring the travel plan over five years. Transport for London noted that car parking provision should be monitored and reduced over time if not required.
Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the height and massing of the proposed buildings, with some councillors and objectors expressing worries about the impact on Mitcham Town Centre's character and nearby heritage assets, including the Grade I listed Eagle House. However, council officers concluded that the public benefits, such as the provision of 100% affordable housing and public realm improvements, outweighed the identified less than substantial harm
to heritage assets.
The scheme also incorporates 1,308 sqm of flexible commercial floorspace (Use Class E) and 423 sqm of community floorspace (Use Class F1/F2). The commercial uses could include healthcare, GPs, dentists, convenience stores, cafes, delicatessens, bicycle repair shops, solicitors, or financial advisors. For the community floorspace, there is a reasonable endeavour 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 management of this space is to be worked out with tenants and the community centre operator, with flexibility for it to be provided centrally or by the tenant. The possibility of the council taking on the space themselves is also mentioned.
A Section 106 agreement will secure various contributions, including 100% affordable housing with nomination rights for Merton Council, contributions towards Active Travel Zone improvements, and funds for local employment and 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
. The agreement also includes provisions for the community use provider to be secured within one year of completion, with potential for extension.
The development is expected to create temporary jobs during the construction phase (around 430 job years) and permanent jobs during the operational phase. The commercial floorspace is intended to be flexible and cater to future demands, with a Town Centre Use Assessment indicating demand for high-quality new units. The development is also expected to contribute to the vitality and viability of Mitcham Town Centre by providing an active street frontage and a range of potential uses. A Mitcham Town Centre Regeneration Contribution of £60,000 is secured through the Section 106 agreement to assist local businesses during the construction period.
Conditions attached to the planning permission cover a range of aspects, including approved plans, materials, landscaping, air quality management, construction hours, noise mitigation, refuse and recycling facilities, fire safety, and archaeological investigations. Archaeological investigations will be conducted in two stages. Stage 1 involves a written scheme of investigation (WSI) for evaluation to clarify the nature and extent of surviving remains. If heritage assets of archaeological interest are identified, a Stage 2 WSI will be required for a full investigation, including a programme for delivering related positive public benefits, post-investigation assessment, analysis, publication, dissemination, and deposition of resulting material. These investigations are pre-commencement conditions. The Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service (GLAAS) concluded that there is a moderate potential for medieval archaeology to be present within certain area of the application site,
and that any remaining archaeological interest within this application site is limited and so can be accommodated by appropriate condition.
Public reports pack Thursday 30-Jul-2026 19.15 Development and Planning Applications Committee
