Issue

Heritage Assets

9 stories · discussed at 15 council meetings · 13 councils

Councils are currently balancing new developments with the protection and enhancement of heritage assets across the region.

Merton Council approved a new development in Mitcham in August 2026, despite concerns about its impact on heritage assets and local character. In July 2026, Bromley Council granted permission for "heritage enhancements" at the Grade II* listed Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. Richmond upon Thames Council also approved plans in July 2026 to convert the Grade II listed Hampton Water Treatment Works into homes, aiming to secure the future of buildings on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

Lambeth Council granted temporary permission for the 'Between the Bridges' event in April 2026, with concerns regarding heritage assets deemed acceptable due to its temporary nature. Looking ahead, Haringey Council's Alexandra Park and Palace committees discussed planning and listed building consent applications in September 2026.

Heritage assets are buildings, sites, or objects of historical or cultural significance, such as listed buildings, that are protected by planning policies. Councils consider their preservation and enhancement when making planning decisions for new developments or refurbishments.

Key facts

  1. Merton Council approved a development at 1-12 Majestic Way, Mitcham, in August 2026 despite concerns about its impact on heritage assets. Source
  2. Bromley Council granted planning permission in July 2026 for "heritage enhancements" at the Grade II* listed Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. Source
  3. Richmond upon Thames Council approved plans in July 2026 to convert the Grade II listed Hampton Water Treatment Works into homes. Source
  4. The Ruston, Ward, and Karslake Buildings at Hampton Water Treatment Works are on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. Source
  5. Lambeth Council granted temporary permission for the 'Between the Bridges' event in April 2026, with concerns regarding heritage assets. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Mitcham Development Approved Despite Heritage Concerns, Offering 249 Social Homes Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved a significant mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way, Mitcham, despite concerns raised about... Merton 1 August 2026
  2. Merton Council Approves 'Car-Lite' Mitcham Development with 249 Social Homes 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... Merton 1 August 2026
  3. New Mitcham development to include 1,308 sqm commercial space A new mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way in Mitcham, featuring 1,308 square meters of commercial space and 249 social rented homes, has been approved by Merton Council's... Merton 1 August 2026
  4. Plans for 174 hostel beds at Crouch End YMCA revealed Plans have been revealed for a new 174-bed hostel at the Crouch End YMCA site on Tottenham Lane, Hornsey. The proposal, presented to Haringey Council's Planning Sub Committee on... Haringey 31 July 2026
  5. Crystal Palace Sports Centre set for major upgrade Crystal Palace Sports Centre is set for a major upgrade after Bromley Council's Development Control Committee granted planning permission for its extensive refurbishment and... Bromley 27 July 2026
  6. Hampton Water Treatment Works to become 36 new homes Richmond upon Thames Council's Planning Committee has approved plans to convert the historic Hampton Water Treatment Works into 36 new homes and flexible business space. The... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  7. Temporary 'Between the Bridges' event gets green light Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has granted conditional permission for the temporary Between the Bridges event to return to Hungerford Coach Park in 2026. Lambeth 29 April 2026
  8. Havering Council approves Waterloo Estate regeneration plans Havering Council's Strategic Planning Committee has approved regeneration plans for the Waterloo Estate in Romford, paving the way for the development of two new residential... Havering 1 March 2026