Estate redevelopment and homes at Elm Grove Estate, Sutton

What was proposed

The application sought changes to an approved estate redevelopment, including building locations, heights, parameters and associated conditions.

“DM2025/00952 ELM GROVE ESTATE 216 - 220 HIGH STREET SUTTON SM1 1NU The Committee considered a report on the above application to to vary conditions 1 (Approved Plans), 8 (Residential Units), 11 (Building Heights Parameter Plan), 12 (Public realm spaces), 13 (Development Plots Parameter Plan), 14 (Design Code), 34 (Whole Life Carbon) and 64 (Construction Logistics Plan) of planning permission Ref: DM2024/00392 for the 'Outline planning application (with all matters reserved)…”

Minutes

The site and scheme

The site is a 0.89-hectare residential estate near Sutton town centre, proposed for demolition and replacement with buildings of five to 16 storeys and 282 homes.

“Report of the Sutton design review panel 3 The proposal Name Elm Grove Regeneration Site location Elm Grove, Sutton, SM1 4EU Site details The 0.89ha site is located to the east of Sutton town centre to the rear of the High Street shops.”

“Planning stage S73a minor material amendments certificate to amend the outline planning permission, with a target submission of June 2025. A subsequent reserved matters application will follow in late August. Local planning authority London Borough of Sutton Planning context Principle of complete redevelopment is acceptable in land-use terms.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

An outline application was submitted in March 2024, and permission was resolved in September 2024 for up to 282 homes.

“Report of the Sutton design review panel 4 The site is subject to the resolution to grant outline planning permission (as below) and the associated Design Code. Planning history Outline Planning Application [DM2024/00392] was submitted in March 2024.”

Officer report

Officer recommendation

Officers recommended granting permission, with parking considered acceptable and safe turning and delivery arrangements provided.

“Members discussed the proposed number of parking spaces at the site, 15, and expressed concerns regarding residents who may need vehicles as part of their employment. Officers explained that parking provision was considered acceptable by policy at this location, and…”

“Planning Committee 3 December 2025 3 included safe turning space. Parking spaces would be allocated to the wheelchair accessible flats and returning residents.”

Minutes

Consultation and local views

Officers said engagement had been significant and the scheme had evolved in response to concerns raised during that process.

“Officers explained that there had been significant resident engagement and that the scheme had evolved overtime as concerns raised during the engagement had been addressed.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee, describing dual-aspect homes, security measures, open space, cycle storage, accessible facilities and consultation.

What members debated

Members discussed parking, delivery vehicles, intensification, affordable homes, healthcare, infrastructure, public transport, cycling and resident support.

“Members drew attention to the need for locations for delivery and works vehicles and expressed concerns that the provision was not sufficient. It was explained that the configuration of the site included provision of bays to support delivery and works vehicles to the adjacent commercial properties and to the residential premises on the site.”

“In debate members drew attention to the good public transport links surrounding the site, and noted that new affordable homes for residents were needed within the current housing crisis. Attention was drawn to the high level of cycle provision, and low numbers of parking spaces noting that there was a balance with the provision of homes and parking provision.”

Minutes

The vote

A poll vote was held on the recommendation to grant permission, with councillors voting for or abstaining.

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

“Consider any direction from the Mayor of London and to make any consequential changes or necessary changes to the conditions on the Elm Grove Estate Permission and/or amendments to the Elm Grove S106 Legal Agreement/Unilateral Undertaking 2.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Permission was granted subject to referral to the Mayor of London, conditions and completion of the required section 106 agreement or unilateral undertakings.

“Referring the application to the Mayor of London and any direction by the Mayor of London 2. The conditions outlined at Appendix 2 and 3. The satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement/ unilateral undertakings by Sutton Council as Landowner and LB Sutton as local planning authority to secure such amendments to the Elm Grove Estate s106 agreement as set out in the heads of terms set out in this report by 3rd July 2026 or a later date as agreed in writing by the…”

Minutes