Six residential units at Stonecourt And Stonecourt Cottage, Carshalton

The site and surroundings

The site contains two buildings and an outbuilding beside Grove Park, within a conservation area and including a locally listed building.

“The application site relates to Stone Court and Stone Court Cottages, a Locally Listed Building in the north-west corner of Grove Park (Historic Park) and Carshalton Village Conservation Area (CA).”

“Area of Archaeological Priority ● Area of Potential Intensification (API) ● Carshalton Village Conservation Area ● Historic Park or Garden ● Locally Listed Building ● Metropolitan Green Chain ● Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) ● Public Open Space ● Wandle Valley Regional Park…”

Officer report

Earlier use and permissions

Stone Court received permission for council offices in 1981, while the cottage had previously been used as residential accommodation and was extended in 1991.

“In 1981, (REF: 81/23118), planning permission was granted for use of Stone Court as Council offices. Stone Court Cottage was previously used as residential accommodation (REF: S90/35356/FR4 dated 20th February 1991 confirms the residential use for a number of years).”

“S1990/35356 - Erection of a rear extension to provide additional domestic accommodation was granted planning permission 20th February 1991. Report Page 3”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the vacant offices no longer required and found the conversion acceptable in principle, with suitable housing and no significant planning harm.

“The existing office space has been vacant for six years and is no longer required. Class MA of the TCPA allows the change of use of office to residential under a Prior Approval and it is considered that the loss has therefore been established in principle. The Report Page 1”

“DM2023/00184 Stonecourt And Stonecourt Cottage, North Street, Carshalton SM5 2HU proposed delivery of new housing would be suitable in this location and would meet a demand for family sized housing. The proposal is acceptable in principle in land use terms.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The technical support officer introduced the item, followed by the ward councillor and the agent under the committee’s standing order.

Members’ questions and debate

Members questioned the building’s character, whether objections had been addressed, the long application period, consultation and the building’s earlier nature.

“Members asked Officers if the proposed changes duly respect the character of the property. Officers responded that reinstalling two windows with a few other additions doesn’t materially change the character of the building or the conservation area.”

“Members asked if the residents' objections to the application had been fully addressed to which Officers responded they had been. Further discussion highlighted that the application had taken 111 weeks going back to 2023 and if the proposals had been re-advertised. Officers explained that the application took a lengthy amount of time due to discussions about the access with highways.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the proposed conversion and associated works.

“Planning Committee 2 July 2025 8 RESOLVED: To GRANT planning permission.”

Minutes