39 Mitcham Park – why we want enforcement action

39-mitcham-park-constructionThe latest proposals involving 39 Mitcham Park provide the clearest example of why it is important for Merton Council to resource and prioritise enforcement action.

The former ballet school is one of a number of fine houses in this important part of the Conservation Area.

Without any permission the owners have clear trees from the garden, built an incongruous two storey extension, paved over the front, installed wholly inappropriate windows and kitted out the house to be used for flats.

Planning permission was refused back in May for converting it to flats and now we have a new application seeking to get permission  for the extension over a year after it was built.

Enough is enough.

We are asking Merton Council to give the latest application short shrift and to take urgent enforcement action that requires the owners to demolish the extension, restore the house and replant the trees.

Our comments mitcham-park-39-october-2016

Register your own views at Merton Council’s web site

Proposed flats at 22 Commonside West – our comments

We have objected to the demolition of 22 Commonside West for a three storey block of flats.

This is a prominent site overlooking Three Kings Piece and the existing five bedroom house is officially recognised as making a “positive contribution” to the Conservation Area.

This means there is a presumption that it should be retained unless a new development is of outstanding quality.

Regrettably the replacement flats are poorly designed, too large and derivative. Instead of adding to the area they simply ape the contemporary design of the new housing at 18 Commonside West.

It would set a dangerous precedent to allow this development as more and more proposals to demolish Mitcham homes for flats would follow.

Our comments – Commonside West 22 – demolition for flats – Sep 16.

If you share our concerns then let Merton Council know by writing to and quoting application number 16/P2966. You can get more information on the development by putting this application number into Merton Council’s Planning Explorer.

Commonside West 22 - demolition for flats - Sep 16

Local List – our proposed additions

Merton Council maintains a “local list” of buildings and structures which are of historic interest and add character to the area. We have been pleased to help ensure a clear process for making additions based on input from the local community. This year we are proposing five additions to the local list for Mitcham Cricket Green:

  • Bramcote Court and Parade – a distinctive 1930s residential development in the “moderne” style
  • The Canons walls and well – these impressive structures include examples from both the 18th and 19th century and have been identified as being highly significant in recent investigations of The Canons as part of the ongoing Lottery bid
  • Mitcham running track – the remnants of the cinder track on the former news of the World Sports Ground are the last vestige of a sporting heritage which included the training of Olympic athletes
  • The Canons Lodge lamp stands – these are a distinctive addition to the Lodge which is already locally listed
  • Gas lamp post – this elegant cast iron structure stands opposite The White Hart as a reminder of the days before electric street lamps and dates to the 1850s.

See the full Local List at Merton Council’s web site

Local list proposals 160825 Bramcote Court and ParadeLocal list proposals 160825 The Canons walls and wellLocal list proposals 160825 Mitcham running track Local list proposals 160825 The Canons Lodge lamp stands
Local list proposals 160825 gas lamp post

Mitcham Heritage Day Saturday 17th September 2016 – full timetable of events

Please join us for Mitcham Heritage Day on Saturday 17th September.

We have brought together a number of organisations who will offer a range of free events including talks, exhibitions, and chances to see and try new things.

All the events take place between 10am and 4pm. Check the schedule on the printable poster below to make sure you don’t miss anything!

Participating this year are:

  • Wandle Industrial Museum – opening free of charge
  • Cricket Green School – view the 14th Century arch
  • St Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church – guided visit to church, exhibitions and more
  • The Canons & Dovecote – learn more about the Lottery bid and get a look inside the Dovecote
  • Mitcham Parish Church – exhibitions, bell ringing, displays and more
  • Mitcham Cricket Club – see inside the pavilion and watch cricket, displays and more
  • Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre – photographic exhibitions at various locations
  • Mitcham Cricket Green Community & Heritage – guided walk around Cricket Green at 2pm

The day will round off with an evening choral concert at Mitcham Parish Church starting at 7pm.

Further details about the concert and tickets (£10 including cheese and wine) are available from Fr David Pennells on 020 8646 0666,

Thank you to all the participants and helpers who are giving their time making this year’s event happen.

Mitcham Heritage Day 17 Sep 2016 printable poster

Mitcham Heritage Day 17 Sep 2016

Mitcham is home to Merton’s favourite tree

The Tree Warden Group Merton organises an annual competition to find Merton’s Favourite Tree.

The 2015 winner was recently announced. It is a foxglove tree in London Road Playing Fields – what we locally call Barons Fields.

There were about 40 entrants to this competition from across the borough, and each one was assessed and photographed by the Tree Wardens Group.

If you want to nominate a tree for the next round of awards, use the entry form – Favourite_Tree_Nomination_Form. Closing date is mid September.

Favourite tree in Merton 1st FT 2015 (Medium)