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Planning
I was surprised to read the article about flat conversions in the December newsletter, as the Council's policy on this matter has remained the same for several years. It is set out as policy EB17 - 20 & H16, 17 & 23 in the 1996 Adopted Unitary Development Plan and the 1996 Supplementary Planning Guidance on Residential Extensions, Alterations and Conversions. It has always been the case that much of Merton's new dwelling requirement will be flat conversions, so the conversion of family houses to flats is broadly acceptable, subject to UDP policies being complied with. The UDP is also clear that in many parts of the Borough, such as Wimbledon Park, it will not be possible to provide additional on-site car parking for conversions. Consequently any parking need arising from the development will be met on the street, or not at all, particularly where public transport accessibility is good ( Policy M35 ). Experience in other boroughs shows that any attempt to reject conversions solely on the basis of inadequate car parking is very unlikely to be upheld on appeal.
As everyone will appreciate, the Council is usually very reluctant to approve any application, which is contrary to its UDP. Officers do not have delegated powers to approve such schemes and only the Planning Applications Sub-Committee can approve such applications. However, no such applications have been approved recently in Wimbledon Park.
You will see, therefore that there has been no change in Council policy and none is in prospect, so I trust none of you has been unnecessarily concerned after reading that article. If anyone has any queries about particular developments taking place in Wimbledon Park they can always contact the Planning Division on 011-543-3117 or they can talk to me.
Councillor Joyce Paton
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