Flexible commercial use at 6 Woodcote Road, Wallington

What was proposed

The application sought flexible Class E use of the ground floor while retaining the option for a drinking establishment.

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of the ground floor from Sui Generis (drinking establishment) to a flexible Class E use (commercial and business) or Sui Generis use (Drinking establishment).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant former Wallington Arms is below residential flats in a district centre, with alternative pubs immediately opposite and nearby.

“The application site relates to the ground floor (when viewed from Woodcote Road) of 6 Woodcote Road, a vacant former Public House (‘The Wallington Arms’). The premises ceased trading around the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 and have remained continuously vacant since then.”

“The application site falls within the Wallington District Centre and is a Primary Shopping Frontage. The Wallington Arms, as per policy 22 of the Sutton Local Plan 2018, is considered to be of ‘street scene and community value’.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and marketing

The pub use began in 1999, upper floors were converted, an earlier gym proposal was refused, and marketing later found no pub offers.

“The use as a public house was initially established in 1999 (Ref. D1999/44753). In 2016, planning permission was granted for the extension of 6 Woodcote Road to provide self-contained flats on upper floors and to create two Class A3 units to the first floor above the public house (ref. D2016/75146).”

“The loss of The Wallington Arms is considered to be unacceptable in land use terms and in principle as the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the public house is no longer required either in its current use or for any alternative social or community use. The proposal would result in the loss of Public House considered to be of street scene and community value.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors, a ward councillor and a supporter addressed the committee, raising concerns about viability, community use, marketing and future impacts.

What members discussed

Members focused on the five-year vacancy, the distinction between losing an empty property and a pub, future pub use and reopening costs.

“In debate members discussed that the property had been empty for five years, the loss was of an empty property rather than a public house. The property could operate as a public house in the future, but it was acknowledged that recreating the previous clientele could be a challenge. As the property had been closed for five years there could be significant costs to prepare the property to open again.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee voted eight in favour and one against the officers’ recommendation, with the ward councillor ineligible to vote.

“Planning Committee 3 December 2025 13 A poll vote on the officers’ recommendation to grant permission was held in accordance with Standing Order 31.4, when there voted:”

“DM2023/01628 6 WOODCOTE ROAD WALLINGTON SUTTON SM6 0NN (Committee Report) Councillor Jayne McCoy Not Eligible to Vote Councillor Richard Clifton For Councillor Sam Cumber For Councillor Trish Fivey For Councillor Patrick Ogbonna For Councillor Patrick Magnus For Councillor Tony Shields For Councillor Tim Foster For Councillor Edward Joyce For Councillor Peter Geiringer Against Agreed…”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted for the flexible use, subject to conditions including cycle storage, operating hours, delivery limits and noise approval for high-impact uses.

“Cycle Storage (3) Prior to the commencement of the development (excluding demolition works), full details of the secure cycle storage facilities shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority which shall show their positioning within the site, the size and materials of the enclosure and the means of access.”

“Prior Approval for High-Impact Class E Uses (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) (or in any provision equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), prior to the first occupation of the premises for a use within Class E(d) (indoor sport, recreation, or fitness) or Class E(f) (day nursery, crèche, or day centre), details of the proposed…”

Officer report