Housing scheme approved despite tall buildings

A 249-home social housing redevelopment that will create the tallest buildings in Mitcham town centre has been approved.

The Majestic Way scheme will deliver 100% affordable homes in buildings up to 11 storeys, alongside community space and a new shopping area on the site of a former Morrisons store by 2029.

Developer Clarion said the south London scheme would deliver a "stronger high street" and homes but critics said the approval was at odds with planning guidelines.

Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage (MCGCH) secretary Tony Burton said the approval by Merton Council marked "a sad day."

The development, he said, would include "by far" the tallest buildings in Mitcham.

"Clarion's development is in fundamental conflict with multiple policies in the local plan," he added.

The homes will be provided across six and 11-storey buildings and comprise one to four-bedroom homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Following the scheme's approval on Thursday, Burton said: "By ignoring their own local plan, councillors have left the whole of Merton exposed to developer ambitions to erect tall buildings."

Clarion's major projects director, Brian Ham, said: "This is now a design for Mitcham, responding to the town centre's character and identity."

Its development chief, Richard Cook, said: "This is a huge step forward for Mitcham."

Labour councillor Nedra Daniels said the scheme was responding to "dire housing need".

It will also deliver 1,308 sq m (14,079 sq ft) of commercial space and 423 sq m (4,553 sq ft) of community space.

Clarion said it wanted "quality" retail but Ham refused council calls for peppercorn rents for shops.

Under its contract, the authority will get £1.4m from Clarion, expected to be used on transport, health and upgrading a play area.

Clarion will also give £60,000 to help town centre projects during construction.

Demolition of the current Majestic Way site is set for February 2027.

Planning chairman, Labour's Dan Johnston, told the meeting Clarion would "forever be part of the beating heart of Mitcham".

Councillor Edward Foley, leader of the Merton Park Independent Residents Group, said: "This development will do nothing to enhance or preserve the character of Mitcham town centre.