Six industrial units at Sutton Business Park, Hackbridge

What was proposed

A two-storey building would provide six mixed-use industrial units, ancillary mezzanine offices, parking, cycle spaces, landscaping and boundary treatment.

“The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a two storey detached building comprising 6 self contained mixed use industrial units (Use Class B2/B8 and EGiii) with ancillary office space at mezzanine level, and associated vehicle parking, cycle spaces, landscaping and boundary treatment.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site formed part of the former Felnex Trading Estate and lies in an established industrial area beside residential blocks and railway lines.

“The application site is vacant land (Gross External Area 1,968sqm) that formed part of the former Felnex Trading Estate, which has now been demolished in conjunction with the New Mill Quarter mixed-use redevelopment to provide over 700 homes.”

“The application site lies within Hackbridge Industrial Area which is designated in the Sutton Local Plan as an Established Industrial Area. Adjoining land to the south and west falls within Sutton Business Park. Beyond this to the south and east of the site are railway lines for trains going between Carshalton and Hackbridge station.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions for the former trading estate and business space have been implemented, while there are no specific applications for the site in its current state.

“There are no specific planning applications for the site in its current state.”

“With regard to the former Felnex Trading Estate, Outline planning permission (C2009/62175) was granted for up to 725 dwellings and other mixed uses in 2012. A variation to the Outline application was approved in July 2016 (C2016/73672). Reserve Matters applications (C2016/73672 and C2016/73965) were granted in 2016. These have now been implemented and New Mill Quarter is largely completed.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the redevelopment appropriate because it would provide employment floorspace, improve the site, protect neighbours and provide suitable access and parking.

“The proposal represents the appropriate redevelopment of an existing industrial site and would deliver modern, flexible industrial floorspace that supports local employment and contributes to the borough’s economic objectives.”

“The proposal provides safe and suitable access, adequate on-site parking, secure cycle storage, and appropriate delivery and refuse arrangements.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most representations objected, while consultees generally raised no objection subject to conditions covering matters including noise, drainage, biodiversity, highways and air quality.

“DM2024/01755 Sutton Business Park, Restmor Way, Hackbridge SM6 7AH will result in an increased risk of criminal activity. the area, integrating the new commercial use with the surrounding community. To ensure the link operates safely and does not compromise residential amenity, the planning consent will be subject to conditions which require the developer to submit a detailed Management Plan and Security Strategy prior to first use.”

“Waste Team No objection. Tree Officer No objection subject to a condition to secure landscaping details. Biodiversity Officer No objection subject to a condition to secure a Biodiversity Gain Plan and an associated Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan. Highways Officer No objection subject to conditions to secure cycle store details, a Parking Management Plan and a Servicing and Delivery Plan.”

Officer report

Concerns raised

Objections covered the building’s appearance, crime risk, activity and noise, loss of light, industrial use, traffic, parking and cycle parking.

“The small number of windows that marginally fall below the BRE targets are located beneath existing balcony overhangs and when those self-obstructions are discounted, all windows fully comply with the BRE standards. It is considered that the proposal would not result in an undue loss of light to New Mill Quarter.”

“DM2024/01755 Sutton Business Park, Restmor Way, Hackbridge SM6 7AH impact on the local highway network. Inadequate parking provided The expected provision for the scheme would be 17 spaces, calculated at 1 space per 100 square metres (sqm) (the proposal would provide 1,772sqm of internal floor space). A total of 36 on-site car parking spaces are proposed and the provision is therefore in excess of the Council’s parking standards for industrial uses.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report, and the applicant addressed the committee about the proposed use, materials and vehicle movements.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the site’s proximity to homes and the river, nearby industrial buildings, the quiet setting and the relationship between residential windows and the proposal.

“Planning Committee 3 December 2025 10 Members drew attention to the proximity of the application site to residential properties and the river Wandle, officers clarified that no objections had been raised by consultees on these matters.”

“In debate members discussed that this was a quiet site, there were other higher light industrial buildings adjacent to residential properties, the locations of the windows in the residential properties in relation to the application was also noted.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions and a legal agreement securing carbon, biodiversity monitoring and air quality obligations.

“Planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions attached at Appendix B. The applicant has also agreed to enter into a S106 legal agreement to secure the following obligations:”

“Carbon Offset and Performance Clawback - the applicant is obligated to implement appropriate ‘Be Seen’ reporting obligations in line with Mayoral guidance, which requires a commitment to the monitoring and reporting of actual operational energy consumption and carbon performance at the post-implementation stage. This serves as the Council’s financial guarantee.”

Minutes