Merton Planning Applications, Search and Portal

Planning Across Wimbledon, Morden and Mitcham

The London Borough of Merton brings together several distinct planning environments. Wimbledon contains busy commercial areas, period residential streets and some of South West London’s most recognisable neighbourhoods. Morden has a strong suburban character and important transport connections, while Mitcham combines historic areas, established housing, industrial land and locations with potential for continued renewal.

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The borough also includes Raynes Park, Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park, Motspur Park, Lower Morden, Pollards Hill, West Barnes, Cannon Hill and parts of Tooting and Streatham Vale.

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The type of proposal likely to be acceptable can vary considerably between these areas. A roof alteration in Wimbledon Village may need to respond carefully to heritage and roofscape, while an extension in Lower Morden may be judged more heavily on its size and relationship with neighbouring houses. A redevelopment proposal in Colliers Wood or Mitcham may involve transport, building height and commercial considerations.

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Wimbledon and Its Residential Neighbourhoods

Wimbledon contains a broad range of property, from Victorian terraces and mansion blocks to larger detached houses, modern flats, shops, offices and mixed-use buildings.

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Residential planning proposals commonly include:

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• Rear and side extensions

• Wraparound extensions

• Loft conversions

• Mansard roofs and dormer windows

• Replacement windows and doors

• Basement alterations

• Balconies and roof terraces

• Garden rooms and outbuildings

• Property conversions

• Replacement homes

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In Wimbledon Village, Wimbledon Park and other established residential areas, the quality of the design can be as important as the amount of additional space being created.

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Extensions and roof additions may need to preserve the proportions of the original property, avoid dominating neighbouring homes and respect the rhythm of the surrounding street. Where buildings form part of a terrace or coordinated group, individual changes can affect the appearance of the entire row.

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Larger plots may offer opportunities for substantial extensions or replacement dwellings, but the planning assessment may still consider trees, landscaping, access, parking and the amount of garden space retained.

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Morden, Lower Morden and Suburban Development

Morden and Lower Morden contain many semi-detached and terraced houses that are well suited to family extensions, loft conversions and internal reconfiguration.

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Common proposals include:

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• Single-storey rear extensions

• Two-storey side or rear extensions

• Hip-to-gable roof alterations

• Rear dormers

• Front porches

• Garages and outbuildings

• Subdivision of larger plots

• Additional residential units

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Side extensions can be particularly sensitive where they reduce the visual gap between neighbouring houses or create the appearance of a continuous terrace.

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The design may need to be set back from the main elevation, use a subordinate roof form and retain sufficient space from the side boundary. Two-storey proposals may also need to avoid an overbearing effect on neighbouring windows and gardens.

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Some properties may benefit from permitted development rights, but those rights can be affected by the type of building, previous alterations or planning conditions.

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Mitcham, Pollards Hill and the Eastern Borough

Mitcham contains a varied mixture of historic buildings, suburban streets, estates, commercial premises and employment areas.

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Merton planning applications in Mitcham and Pollards Hill may involve:

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• Home extensions and loft conversions

• Property subdivisions

• Houses in multiple occupation

• New flats and houses

• Commercial changes of use

• Industrial and warehouse premises

• Shopfront alterations

• Retrospective development

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Where additional homes are proposed, the application may need to demonstrate suitable room sizes, natural light, privacy, amenity space, refuse storage and cycle parking.

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Development close to established commercial or industrial uses may also need to consider noise, deliveries, operating hours and the living conditions of future occupants.

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Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon

Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon combine established housing with major roads, underground connections, commercial buildings and higher-density development.

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Planning proposals in these locations can include:

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• New residential buildings

• Additional floors

• Mixed-use development

• Conversion of commercial property

• Shopfront and signage alterations

• Redevelopment of underused land

• Changes between commercial uses

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Town-centre and transport-related sites may be suitable for more intensive development, but building height and density still need to respond appropriately to nearby housing and public spaces.

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Applications may need to address pedestrian access, deliveries, parking, public transport, waste storage and the quality of the street frontage.

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The River Wandle and Environmental Considerations

The River Wandle and its surrounding landscape form an important part of Merton’s character. Development close to the river, watercourses or lower-lying land may need to consider flood risk, drainage, ecology and the quality of the riverside environment.

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Depending on the site and scale of development, supporting information may need to cover:

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• Flood risk

• Sustainable drainage

• Water quality

• Trees and landscaping

• Protected habitats

• Biodiversity improvements

• Contaminated land

• Access to waterways and open spaces

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These issues can affect larger redevelopment sites, but they may also be relevant to domestic projects involving basements, substantial paving or significant changes to garden levels.

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Conservation Areas and Historic Character

Merton contains historic buildings, conservation areas, traditional townscapes and neighbourhoods with a strong architectural identity.

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Planning controls may affect:

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• Replacement windows and external doors

• Roof alterations and dormers

• Front and side extensions

• Brickwork, render and roofing materials

• Chimneys and original architectural details

• Boundary walls, railings and gates

• Shopfronts and advertisements

• Demolition

• Work affecting listed buildings

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Some properties may also be subject to Article 4 Directions, earlier planning conditions or other restrictions removing permitted development rights.

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Where a listed building is involved, listed building consent may be required alongside planning permission. Detailed drawings, heritage information and specifications may be needed for internal as well as external alterations.

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Merton Planning Applications

The appropriate application route depends on the proposed work and the restrictions affecting the property.

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Merton planning applications may be required for:

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• Larger house extensions

• Roof extensions and additional storeys

• New homes and replacement dwellings

• Flats and property subdivisions

• Houses in multiple occupation

• Commercial changes of use

• Shopfronts and advertisements

• Development within conservation areas

• Work affecting listed buildings

• Retrospective alterations

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Some proposals may qualify as permitted development or prior approval. A Lawful Development Certificate can provide formal confirmation that proposed or existing work is lawful.

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Using the Merton Planning Search

The Merton planning search can help establish the planning history of a house, flat, commercial property or development site.

It can normally be used to:

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• Search by property address

• Search by application reference

• View existing and proposed drawings

• Read planning statements and reports

• Check whether an application is pending

• Review approvals and refusals

• Read decision notices and planning conditions

• Examine nearby planning proposals

• Comment on an application during consultation

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A Merton council planning search can be particularly useful before buying a property, preparing drawings or deciding whether a proposed development is likely to be realistic.

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Previous approvals may provide useful local evidence, but each application is assessed on its own circumstances. Differences in building type, plot size, neighbours, design and planning history can produce a different result.

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Merton Planning Portal

The Merton planning portal provides public access to planning application records and supporting documents across the borough.

It may help establish:

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• Whether a property has previously been extended

• Whether a loft conversion or outbuilding was approved

• Whether planning conditions affect future development

• Whether a similar proposal has been refused nearby

• Whether neighbouring land is subject to an application

• Whether an application was approved, refused or withdrawn

• Whether existing alterations appear in the planning history

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The portal is an important research tool, but planning records still need to be interpreted carefully. The absence of an application does not necessarily mean that work is unauthorised, as it may have been permitted development or covered by another consent.

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Preparing a Merton Planning Application

Before drawings are prepared, it is important to establish the correct application route. Depending on the project, this may include:

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• Householder planning permission

• Full planning permission

• Prior approval

• Listed building consent

• Advertisement consent

• Change-of-use permission

• Lawful Development Certificate

• Retrospective planning permission

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A complete submission may require:

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• Location and block plans

• Existing and proposed floor plans

• Existing and proposed elevations

• Roof plans and building sections

• Street-scene drawings

• Design and access information

• Heritage or conservation statements

• Daylight and sunlight assessments

• Transport and parking information

• Tree, landscaping or ecology reports

• Drainage, waste or servicing details

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Planning Application Support

Planning Application Services (PAS) can assist with planning advice, architectural drawings and the preparation and submission of applications for properties throughout Merton.