Nine homes and commercial space at 316 Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, London SW6

What was proposed

The application proposed a four-storey mixed-use building with commercial space, nine homes, cycle parking, refuse storage and amenity space.

“Description: Redevelopment of existing site to erect of a four-storey mixed use building comprising of commercial floorspace (Class E) at part ground floor level, with residential development (Class C3) at ground, first, second and third floor levels consisting of 9no. residential units, with associated cycle parking provision, refuse storage and amenity space.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site was formerly occupied by a church and hall, sits at a road junction, and is near mixed-use, residential and taller buildings.

“The application site (approximately 0.518 ha) consists of a vacant plot located on the western side of Wandsworth Bridge Road at the junction with Hugon Road. The site was previously occupied by the Church of Christ church and the associated church hall.”

“The surrounding area is mixed-use in character and includes buildings of various heights. Immediately to the south is Bridge Studios, a two-storey commercial building that recently gained consent on appeal for two additional floors in connection with the provision of 6 news. Beyond Bridge Studios are three-storey buildings with predominantly commercial units at ground floor and residential above. Similarly, to the north on the opposite corner, Nos.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and changes

A similar scheme was refused and its appeal dismissed because of family housing amenity space, while the current scheme enlarged and improved private amenity areas.

“In March 2024, the subsequent appeal against the above refusals was dismissed solely on the grounds that it did not provide high-quality family housing due to poor private and communal amenity space. Balconies were fragmented, lacked usability, and were located close to the busy road, while the communal space was overshadowed and poorly overlooked. The Inspector did not agree with any of the Council’s reasons for refusal.”

“This current application seeks to address the Inspector’s reasons for dismissing the appeal. The current scheme includes enhanced external amenity space with larger balcony areas for each unit; most units now have front and rear balconies. Notably, the proposed family units, include large roof terraces with step free access (including lifts). Overall, the scheme improves usability, privacy, and quality of space.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the housing, commercial use, design, neighbour amenity, transport and environmental effects acceptable, subject to conditions and legal obligations.

“Design and Heritage: The proposed development is acceptable in terms of both visual and heritage impact. The proposed architectural design and form are an appropriate fit within the surrounding context. It would complement the streetscape and public realm with its sheer presence and add to the mix of diverse buildings in the immediate surrounding area, giving the space a sense of place and belonging to the general character of the area.”

“Transport and Highways: It is considered that the scheme would not have a significant undue impact on the highway network, road safety and conditions or local on-street car parking demands due to restriction of car parking on and off street; hence it is deemed to be acceptable in transport terms. Satisfactory provision would be made for cycle parking, and a legal agreement is secured to ensure a car-free scheme in this area, which benefits from good public transport links.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Five addresses objected about the building’s scale, heritage, residential amenity, parking, traffic, drainage, construction, safety and other concerns.

“The current proposals also involve a redevelopment of existing site to erect a four-storey mixed use building comprising of commercial floorspace (Class E) at part ground floor level, with residential development (Class C3) at ground, first, second and third floor levels consisting of 9 residential units, with associated cycle parking provision, refuse storage and amenity space.”

“The application was publicised by way of site and press notices. Individual notification letters were also sent to 213 neighbouring addresses. In response, objections were received from 5 addresses on the following summary grounds: - • Dominant form/ height and scale • Impact on Conservation Area • Residential amenity: loss of light, outlook and privacy • Increase car parking demand • Traffic congestion from deliveries and collections • No traffic mitigation plan •…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A presentation was given, and the agent did not speak because there were no objectors.

The committee’s added condition

Councillors proposed preventing the commercial unit from becoming additional homes through permitted development rights without a further planning application.

“During discussions, Councillor Alex Karmel proposed a new condition to prevent the conversion of the commercial unit (Class E use) permitted on the ground floor into additional residential units under permitted development rights without applying for planning permission. This was to enable the cumulative impact of the scheme to be considered by the officers. Authority to be granted to the officers to secure this by the appropriate wording.”

“Minutes are subject to confirmation at the next meeting as a correct record of the proceedings and any amendments arising will be recorded in the minutes of that subsequent meeting. This was seconded by Councillor Adrian Pascu-Tulbure. The Committee voted on the new Condition as follows:”

Minutes

Changes to the conditions

The addendum altered air-quality and other requirements and added detailed drawings and a revised energy strategy as conditions.

“38) 1:20 Detailed Drawings and Window Opening Style The development hereby permitted shall not commence until detailed drawings at a scale of not less than 1:20 in plan, section and elevation of a typical bay of each elevation of the proposed building and detailed drawings at a scale of not less than 1:20 in plan, section and elevation of fenestration and external doors (including opening style of each window and external door) have been submitted to and approved in writing…”

“39) Revised Energy Strategy Prior to the commencement of development, a revised Energy and Sustainability Statement shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The revised Statement shall address the following: Energy Efficiency Targets: Detailed breakdown of carbon savings achieved through energy efficiency measures alone, demonstrating compliance with the minimum requirements. 2.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was authorised subject to the amended and added conditions, with authority for officers to make limited further changes.

“That the Director of Planning and Property be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions listed in the report as amended by the Addendum and added at committee.”

“That the Director of Planning and Property, after consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal Services and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee be authorised to make any minor changes to the proposed conditions, which may include the variation, addition or deletion of conditions, any such changes shall be within their discretion.”

Minutes