College building at Northern Gateway Site, Sutton

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing existing buildings and constructing a part one, part four storey Sutton College with learning space, access, parking and landscaping.

“The application seeks planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of a part one, part four storey building comprising “Sutton College” Use Class F1 (Learning and non-residential institutions) including associated outdoor amenity space, vehicular and pedestrian access from Elm Grove, parking spaces, cycle spaces and store, refuse store, provision of new boundary treatments including vehicular and pedestrian access gates and fences and…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The vacant site included former shops and offices in a conservation area, with pedestrian access from the High Street and vehicle access from Elm Grove.

“The existing site is a vacant (for a period of 10 years) three-storey corner plot comprising five ground floor retail units fronting Sutton High Street to the west and upper floor office space at first and second floor levels. 2 - 8 Marshall’s Road was a three-storey building that has now been demolished.”

“Pedestrian access into the site is provided at points along the High Street with one entry point off Marshall’s Road. Vehicular access is provided to the rear, via Elm Grove, and leads into a small servicing yard.”

Officer report

Earlier decisions and preparation

The site had been vacant for ten years, with recent demolition and hoarding applications, while pre-application discussions supported relocating the college there in principle.

“The site has been vacant for a period of 10 years and the only recent planning applications relate to the demolition of the three storey building that previously stood at 2 to 8 Marshall’s Road (ref: DM2023/01054) and hoarding of the site (ref: DM2023/01644). Report Page 3”

“The relocation of Sutton College to this part of the High Street is accepted in principle, and would help to revitalise this part of the Town Centre. The applicant needs to provide a clear narrative which sets out why the retention or partial-retention of the existing building is no longer possible. There is no objection in principle to a four storey building in this location. 3.11.4.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

An objector opposed complete demolition and supported retaining the facade, while the applicant described the educational investment, design and regeneration benefits.

What members discussed

Members debated heritage value, design, sustainability, demolition costs, the site purchase and the need for educational investment.

“The objector expressed surprise that the design did not attempt to replicate design features of the original building but reiterated that he was not in a position to comment on the use of the building but objected to the complete demolition of a site of historical value.”

“In debate, the committee discussed the need for investment in educational facilities, the design of the building and potential harm caused. It was noted that the existing building was dilapidated and not structurally sound. Members made the point that a college building was not the original intention of the site when the council purchased the site.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee voted on the recommendation to grant permission subject to the proposed conditions, with eight members for and two against.

“A poll vote on the officers’ recommendation to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions attached at Appendix B, was held in accordance with Standing Order 31.4, when there voted:”

“DM2025/00754 NORTHERN GATEWAY SITE, 246-254 HIGH STREET AND 2-8 MARSHALL'S ROAD SUTTON, SM1 1PA (Committee Report) Councillor Jayne McCoy For Councillor Richard Clifton For Councillor Sam Cumber For Councillor Sam Martin For Councillor Patrick Ogbonna For Councillor Eric Allen For Councillor Patrick Magnus For Councillor Tony Shields Against Councillor Tim Foster Against Councillor Gemma Munday For Agreed…”

Minutes