9 homes and workspace at 151-157 Eardley Road, Streatham, London SW16

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing buildings and constructing a three-storey building with a basement, nine homes and a commercial unit.

“APPLICATION DETAILS: The proposal seeks planning permission for the demolition of the existing buildings and the erection of a three-storey building with a basement level. The scheme would provide nine self-contained residential units (Use Class C3) together with a commercial unit at ground and basement floor level (Use Class E). The development also includes associated cycle and refuse storage, private and communal amenity space, soft and hard landscaping.”

“The building would present as three-storeys on the Eardley Road front elevation. It would have a maximum ridge height of approximately 9.3 metres from ground level and would extend to a depth of around 12 metres (excluding the single storey rear element), with a frontage of approximately 23.6 metres along Eardley Road. The roof plan includes a green roof and space for photovoltaic panels.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a vehicle repair garage, yard areas, ancillary buildings and a two-storey terraced dwelling, beside residential properties and a railway corridor.

“SITE DETAILS: The application site measures approximately 0.08 hectares and is located on the eastern side of Eardley Road. The site comprises a single storey commercial building that is currently in use as a vehicle repair garage and MOT test centre (Use Class B2), together with associated covered and open yard areas, small ancillary offices and a store to the rear. The site also comprises the adjoining two-storey terraced dwelling at No. Eardley Road.”

“The surrounding context is predominantly residential, characterised by two-storey housing, some of which contain living accommodation within their roof space. The site lies between Nos. 149 and 159 Eardley Road, both of which are in residential use, and are located to the north and south respectively. Directly opposite the site, is a terrace of properties at Nos. 96- 106 Eardley Road, some of which contain commercial units at ground floor and residential accommodation above.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions included alterations to the dwelling, four houses, vehicle repair use, a scrap metal depot and site access works.

“2004/0638: Approved 17/05/2004 – Change of use from scrap metal processing and storage yard to the mechanical repair of vehicles (153–157 Eardley Road).”

“90/S/0645: Approved 12/06/1991 – Continued use as a scrap metal depot (153–157 Eardley Road).”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered that the proposal would deliver housing and employment space, integrate acceptably with the street, and avoid unacceptable harm to neighbours.

“The development would deliver a net gain in housing, including family-sized accommodation with private amenity space, in line with local and strategic housing objectives. The proposed mix, although weighted towards two-bedroom units, responds appropriately to identified borough demand and is considered to provide a balanced range of unit sizes.”

“The scheme would also re-provide modern employment floorspace within a flexible Use Class E(g)(i)(ii)(iii)), ensuring the site continues to provide employment space, whilst securing a more efficient use of land. The existing vehicle repair and MOT test centre (Use Class B2) is of limited compatibility with the predominantly residential surroundings, and its replacement with a high-quality mixed-use scheme is considered by Officers as a positive.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Two neighbour objections raised concerns about height, design, character, loss of light, privacy and the development’s effect on neighbours; consultees raised no objections subject to conditions.

“CONSULTATION (07/02/2025): Number of letters sent 23 Site Notice Yes Press Notice No Number of responses received 1 Number of neighbour objections 1 Number of neighbour supports 0 Number of neighbour comments 0”

“OBJECTIONS: A total of two letters of objections were received. A summary of the objections is as follows: • Building height is inappropriately high compared to surrounding street buildings • Current design not aligned with surrounding structures • Redevelopment must be done with architectural consideration, not purely profit-driven • Potential negative impact on overall character of the area • Proposed frontage is less elegant in design • Development would be overbearing on…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Officers answered members’ questions about the building’s height, commercial space, possible future conversion, ventilation, sustainability and parking.

What members discussed

Members discussed the building being 1.2 metres higher than adjoining houses, the reduced but more usable commercial space, ventilation and parking arrangements.

“Regarding a question about the use of the commercial space, officers stated that there was a policy basis within Local Plan to retain and re- provide commercial floorspace. However, a reduction of floorspace with the positive consequence of achieving a much more usable floorspace may allow for more people to be employed in total. Officers were aware of some interest in the commercial unit, for example by a jewellery manufacturer.”

“Members queried how sustainable the proposed mechanical ventilation was, and sought clarity with regards to the proposed parking situation for residents. In response, officers noted that the application’s overarching sustainability strategy was policy compliant, including provision of air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels on the roof. The inclusion of mechanical ventilation was factored into the overall sustainability scoring.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission by eight votes in favour, with one abstention, for the reasons in the report and with CIL payable.

“RESOLVED – (8 votes for, with 1 abstention) that planning permission be granted for the reasons set out in the report, noting the additional information as set out in the late items of correspondence paper, CIL liable.”

Minutes