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Sustainability Appraisal Report Sites and Polices DPD+ Proposal mapPreferred options stage 3.

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Sustainability Appraisal Report(Incorporating Environmental Report)

London Borough of Merton

Sites & Polices DPD + Policies(formerly proposal map)

Preferred Options Stage 3

January 2013


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Introduction

This sustainability appraisal relates to Stage 3 of Merton’s Sites and PoliciesDevelopment Plan Document - the continuation of the Council’s preferredoptions.

1 Purpose of Sustainability Appraisal

1.1 The purpose of sustainability appraisal (SA) is to promote sustainabledevelopment by integrating social, economic and environmentalconsiderations into the preparation of new or revised Local DevelopmentFrameworks (LDF). By identifying the key sustainability issues likely to beaffected by the implementation of a plan, developing options and assessingany significant effects from the earliest stages of plan preparation. Therefore,SA’s are an important tool for developing sound planning policies which areconsistent with the Government’s sustainable development agenda andachieving the aspirations of local communities.

1.2 The EU Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2001/42/EC (SEADirective), implemented in the UK by the SEA Regulations 2004, requiresenvironmental assessment to be undertaken on all plans and programmeswhere they are likely to have significant environmental impacts. The purposeof the Directive is to provide for a high level of environmental protection and tocontribute to the integration of environmental considerations into thepreparation of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainabledevelopment.

1.3 The regulations apply to a wide range of plans and programmes from local toregional level, including local development documents.

1.4 Sustainability appraisals should be:

inclusive; ensuring early and on-going involvement of the public, statutoryauthorities and other stakeholders at the appropriate stages of planpreparation;

objectives-led; so that the direction of desired change is made explicit interms of measurable targets;

evidence-based; including relevant baseline information against whichthe potential effects of the plan and policy options can be measured andassessed;

Useful; providing clear conclusions and recommendations on how the plancan be made more sustainable and proposals for future monitoring.

1.5 At the conclusion of plan preparation, the final SA report should show howthe final plan has addressed the sustainability agenda and the choices madebetween alternative policies and proposals. This will be considered by theInspector when determining the soundness of the plan at the PublicExamination stage.

1.6 This SA Report sets out the outcome of the SA/SEA process of the additionalpolices and potential sites allocations in the Site and Polices Development


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Management Plan: preferred options document and further changes to theProposal Map.

1.7 This document forms a Sustainability Appraisal Report (SAR) incorporating therequirements of a strategic environmental assessment (SEA Directive1). Itprovides an account of the process of sustainability appraisal and has beenconducted in line with the Communities and Local Government (CLG) PlanMaking Manual 2 and the CLG SEA Practical Guide (2005).

CLG guidance identifies five stages to undertaking sustainability appraisal:

Establishing the scope of appraisal Assessing effects and considering alternatives Preparation of a Sustainability Appraisal Report Consultation Monitoring the effects of implementing the Plan

1.8 Through the application of the process, the council has identified the scope forsustainability appraisal, key sustainability issues, and the likely impacts of theimplementation of the plan.

2 Background to LDF

2.1 The Local Development Framework (LDF) will replace the UnitaryDevelopment Plan 2003. It will provide a wider spatial planning framework andwill seek to provide guidance for the Merton’s Sustainable CommunityStrategy (2009-2019) formally also known as the Community Plan. It looksforward 15 years and will set out strategies and polices for the developmentand use of land as well as broader spatial matters. It consists of a number ofseparate documents setting out different types of planning guidance.

2.2 The LDF contains a number of documents, known as Development PlanDocuments (DPD), which will make up part of the Development plan forMerton:

Core Planning Strategy DPD Site and Policies DPD Proposals Map South London Waste Plan DPD

2.3 The current document being prepared is the Site and Polices DPD andProposals Map. The details of other LDF documents already prepared orproposed are provided in the Local Development Scheme (LDS).

1 European Directive EC/2001/42 and the subsequent SEA Regulations 20042

See Planning Advisory Service www.pas.gov.uk


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2.4 The adopted Core Planning Strategy 2011 is the key document in the MertonLDF. It sets out the Merton’s strategic objectives of the planning frameworkfor the borough. All other DPD’s must be in conformity with this document.

2.5 The Core Planning Strategy brings together strategies relating to land use in anintegrated manner to provide a long term spatial vision and means to deliverthat vision.

3 Purpose of the Sites and Polices DPD and Policies map(formerly proposal map)

3.1 As highlighted before in previous SA (preferred Option Stage 2 and stage 2a)and earlier in this report, the Site and Polices DPD; forms part of Merton’sLocal Development Framework (LDF). It contains policies to help the councilto implement its Core Planning Strategy polices to ensure all proposedappropriate development reflects the spatial vision for the borough, regionaland national guidance.

3.2 The Sustainability Appraisal for the development management policies hasbeen undertaken in full using the Sustainability Framework in the same formatas the Core Planning Strategy. However, to reduce the length of this SAdocument the full set of tables has not been included, instead a set of summarytables and brief summary of the important points has been set out. In line withgovernment guidance this is appropriate as the appraisals level of detail hasbeen applied in accordance with the spatial scale, size and possible environmentaleffects of the policies.

3.3 All sites allocations and development management policies have had aSustainability Appraisal assessment either at stage 2 or stage 2aconsultations. All Sites and polices DPD in previous SA’s can be viewed onMerton’s web site at:http://www.merton.gov.uk/environment/planning/planningpolicy/ldf/sites_policies_dpd.htm

3.4 This stage3 SA is only assessing development policies and site allocationswhere there is a significant change following either feedback from previouspublic consultations or change to regional or national policies.

3.5 Overall, the policies in the Sites and policies DPD performed well against thesustainability objectives. This reflects the approach to selecting developmentsites for inclusion in the document, sites with significant planning constraintsand those which contradict Merton’s spatial strategy and vision were excluded.

3.6 The assessment has identified a small number of sites with negative, uncertainor no significant effects in relation to specific sustainability objectives. Thesefindings will inform the next stage of the document's preparation byhighlighting opportunities to mitigate adverse effects by for example modifyinga site's boundary, revising a site's allocation/designation, or by excluding a sitealtogether.

3.7 This assessment will also provide a basis to consider opportunities tomaximise the sustainability benefits of sites included in the document or in


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conjunction with further revisions to the Sites and polices DPD and Proposalmap.

3.8 The proposed changes to the proposal map is the presentation on a map ofthe borough of policies and sites mentioned in Merton’s Core PlanningStrategy, the Sites and policies DPD and the South London Waste Plan DPD.The Proposals map, when adopted, will identify the areas of Merton to whichthe various development plan policies will be applied.

3.9 In accordance with national guidance note 1, the LDF Proposals Map forMerton will therefore show the following information:

Areas of protection, including locally designated areas Areas at risk from fluvial flooding (areas within Flood Zones 2 and 3); Sites allocated for particular land use and development proposals

included in any adopted development plan document; Areas to which specific policies apply, such as existing business areas

and town centre boundaries

3.10 Once the LDF Proposals Map is adopted it will support the Core PlanningStrategy DPD, South London Waste Plan DPD and Sites and policies DPD,and will replace Merton’s adopted Proposals Map (2003).

What is sustainable development?

3.11 Sustainable development seeks to achieve improved quality of life, communitywell- being and sustainable economic growth while protecting againstenvironmental deprivation, depletion of resources and loss of biodiversity. Themost commonly used definition is “development that meets the needs of thepresent without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirneeds” (Bruntland, 1987).

3.12 The revised UK Sustainable Development Strategy (March 2005), Expandsfurther on what sustainable development means in terms of the following fiveprinciples of sustainable development are identified in ‘Securing the Future’:

Living within environmental limits Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society Achieving a sustainable economy Promoting good governance Using sound science responsibly

3.13 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (April 2012) sets sustainabledevelopment at the heart of the planning system. The NPPF set out theGovernment’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to beapplied. The NPPF sets out the requirements for the planning system only tothe extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so.

3.14 The NPPF seeks to provide a framework within local councils that areaccountable to local people, assist local people to produce their own


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distinctive local and neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs andpriorities of their communities.

3.15 The 3 objectives of the NPPF are:

To put unprecedented power in the hands of communities to shape theplaces in which they live;

To better support growth and give the next generation the chance thatpresent generation has - a decent home, and to allow the jobs to becreated on which our prosperity depends; and

To ensure that the places we cherish - our countryside, towns and citiesare bequeathed to the next generation in a better condition than theyare now.

3.16 Merton Council has published a Waste Management Strategy, a SustainableCommunity Strategy and a Climate Change Strategy which set out in detailcontext for sustainable development in the borough. The preparation andimplementation of planning documents within the LDF will take the agendaforward by setting out a spatial strategy for growth, policies to guidedevelopment proposals and plans for specific areas of the borough. Thetimetable for producing the Local Development Documents is set out in theLocal Development Scheme (LDS).

3.17 This document forms a Sustainability Appraisal Report (SAR) incorporating therequirements of a strategic environmental assessment (SEA Directive3). Itprovides an account of the process of sustainability appraisal and has beenconducted in line with the Communities and Local Government (CLG) PlanMaking Manual 4 and the CLG SEA Practical Guide (2005).

CLG guidance identifies five stages to undertaking sustainability appraisal:

Establishing the scope of appraisal Assessing effects and considering alternatives Preparation of a Sustainability Appraisal Report Consultation Monitoring the effects of implementing the Plan

3.18 Through the application of the process, the council has identified the scope forsustainability appraisal, key sustainability issues, and the likely impacts of theimplementation of the plan.

Consultation Arrangements

3.19 The consultation arrangements for this SA report and Sites and polices DPDand Proposal map preferred options are inline with Merton Council’sStatement of Community Involvement (SCI). These can be viewed on Mertoncouncil’s website here: www.merton.gov.uk/planning/planningpolicy

3 European Directive EC/2001/42 and the subsequent SEA Regulations 20044

See Planning Advisory Service www.pas.gov.uk


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3.20 In accordance with the SEA Regulations copies of this report have been sentto:

Environment AgencyPlanning liaison team, South East AreaEastbury House30-34 Albert EmbankmentLondon SE1 7TL

English HeritageLondon Region1 Waterhouse Square138-142 HolbornLondon EC1N 2ST

Natural EnglandPlanning Liaison TeamSouth East Regional OfficePortland HouseStag PlaceLondon SW1E 5RS

Equalities Impact Assessment

3.21 The Race Relations Amendment Act 2000, Disability Discrimination Act 2005and the Equality Act 2006 require an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) to becarried out for all services and policies delivered by Local Authorities.

3.22 The purpose of the EqIA is to assess the impact of a policy, strategy orservice in the borough in terms of race, gender and disability. Theconsideration of religion, age and sexual orientation are also encouraged.

3.23 An EqIA of Merton’s Core Planning Strategy was undertaken in July 2010.This considered the equality Impacts on the groups against Core PlanningStrategy key themes, which included housing, employment, communityfacilities, transport and accessibility. The development polices complement theCore Planning Strategy, by providing detailed to guide development and to beused in the assessment of planning applications. An EqIA was alsoundertaken for the South London Waste Plan in 2011.

3.24 The policies in the Sites and policies DPD and Proposal map all fall within oneof the key themes assessed in the Core Planning Strategy EqIA. As the CorePlanning Strategy sets out the key elements of the planning framework forMerton, and has already been subject to full EqIA, it is not necessary toinclude this.

4 Appraisal methodology

4.1 The council’s approach to undertaking Sustainability Appraisal (SA) in thepreparation of the Site and policies DPD and Proposal map, as with all other


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LDF documents, is in line with Government guidance on ‘SA of RegionalSpatial Strategies and LDFs’ published by the former ODPM in 2005. Theguidance is also designed to ensure adherence with the European StrategicEnvironmental Assessment or ‘SEA’ Directive 2001/42/EC and the SEARegulations.

4.2 Government guidance identifies 5 stages of appraisal (A to E) that must becarried out as part of the preparation of DPDs. The key tasks are outlinedbelow. Full comprehensive details of each stage can be found in the January2012 sustainability appraisal for the Sites and policies DPD and Proposalmap.

Table 1: Stages of a Sustainable Appraisal

DPD STAGE 1 – Pre-production/Evidence GatheringStage A: Setting context/objectives; establishing baseline and

deciding scope

A1: Identifying other relevant policies, plans and programmes, andsustainability objectives.

A2: Collecting baseline information. A3: Identifying sustainability issues and problems. A4: Developing the SA framework A5: Consulting on the scope of the SA.

DPD STAGE 2 – ProductionStage B: Developing and refining options and assessing effects

B1: Testing the DPD objectives against the SA framework. B2: Developing the DPD options. B3: Predicting the effects of the DPD. B4: Evaluating the effects of the DPD. B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and

maximising beneficial effects. B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of

implementing the DPDs.

Stage C: Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report

C1: Preparing the SA Report

Stage D: Consulting on the preferred options of the DPD and SAReport

D1: Public participation on the preferred options of the DPD andthe SA Report.

D2 (i): Appraising significant changes.DPD STAGE 3: Examination


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D2 (ii): Appraising significant changes resulting fromrepresentations.

DPD STAGE 4: Adoption and monitoring

D3: Making decisions and providing information (AdoptionStatement)

Stage E: Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the DPD

E1: Finalising aims and methods for monitoring. E2: Responding to adverse effects.

4.3 The framework that is used to appraise changes to be included in the Site andpolices DPD and Proposal map consists of sustainability objectives, indicatorsand targets. These three elements have been identified by the process ofpreparing the initial Scoping Report (2006) and through subsequentconsultation. The 21 sustainability objectives set out in Table 2 represent arevision of the objectives, but have incorporated all of the original subjects.

4.4 Significant issues arising include the fundamental conflict between social andeconomic development and harm to habitats; the difficulty in determiningwhether a focus on using previously developed land may have an adverse orbeneficial impact on congestion and, consequently, air quality; and thepotential increased cost of using previously developed land could affectviability of delivering affordable homes.

Table 2: Sustainability Framework objectives and key issues

Key issue Sustainability objectiveClimate change Climate change is a threat to the

lifestyles of Merton residents andto wildlife, cultural heritage andmaterial assets.

It is predicted that highertemperatures and lower rainfallmay be experienced in the southeast.

In addition to drinking watershortages, falling groundwaterlevels could lead to increased risk ofsubsidence and, where heavy rainfalls on a parched ground in latesummer the risk of flooding couldincrease. Green roofs and rainwater harvesting.

Planning to adapt to climatechange seeks to embed themanagement of climate changeby

assessing risks andopportunities;

taking action in anyidentified priorityareas;

develop an adaptationstrategy and actionplan and

Implement, assessand monitor theactions on an ongoingbasis.

Evidence will be required thatthe local authority has put inplace a mechanism forproactively managing climaterisks and opportunities in their


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decisions, plans and measureson the ground.

Energy andcarbonreduction

Merton has been in the forefrontfor developing strategy for carbonreduction and is eager to build onthis progress by focussing oncarbon reduction from newdevelopments and also fromother energy saving initiatives via

Merton’s Climate Change strategy.Furthermore, design measuresintroduced to address climatechange will also help improveenergy efficiency and energy fromwaste schemes can also help toreduce carbon.

Ensure specific measures toimprove energy efficiency andreduce greenhouse gasemissions are used in newdevelopments, refurbishmentand/or renovations andextensions

Use sustainable energysystems as widely as possible

Improve the energyperformance and reduceemissions from dwellings withinMerton

Biodiversity Merton has a rich wealth of habitatsand species that are protected fromdevelopment and climate changeand enhanced where possible.The London Plan seeks improvedquality of the public realm and tosee the creation a new regionalpark that integrates and contributesto the regeneration of the WandleValley Development Corridor.

Further protect and enhance allexisting designated sites.

Reduce the area of the boroughdeficient in access to areas ofnatural greenspace

Access to natureand open space

Merton enjoys an excellentprovision of open space especiallyexisting commons (Wimbledonand Mitcham) and along the riverWandle but there is scope forincreasing the opportunity forcontact with nature and openspace and; improving the quality ofthe public realm.

The creation of the Wandle ValleyRegional Park within London’sGreen Grid will help improveaccess to nature and open spaceas well as create recreationopportunities.

Improve the access to and qualityof open spaces

Conserve and protect existingtrees against damage andunnecessary removal.

Noise The Department for EnvironmentFood and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)has produced a strategic noisemap for major airports, roads andrailways in London and the councilwill have regard to this information,the council will also have regard tothe Noise Action Plan for London

To manage and control theimpact of noise and vibrationfor local residents includingthose developments that arenoise sensitive developments(including schools, hospitalsand housing).


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and the Mayor’s of London’sAmbient Noise Strategy. Thesesmapping identifies areas in Mertonwhere noise levels need to bemanaged. The priorities in Mertonare the following along the A3Kingston-by-pass, PloughLane/Haydons Road junction,Cricket Green and SouthWimbledon junction.

Waste There is a need to identify newfacilities to accommodate a moveaway from land filling waste.

The South London Waste Planaims to divert 100% of waste fromlandfill will make a majorcontribution to this.

In Merton there is a need tomanage waste sustainably viaenergy from waste that will alsocontribute to mitigating againstclimate change and energy andcarbon reduction (see above)

Promote waste minimisation byre-use and recycling in line withreducing net carbon emissionsand the European wastehierarchy, and to recover themaximum value from residualwaste by increasing energyderived from residual waste.

River and waterquality use,resources andwastewaterinfrastructure

Climate change, populationgrowth and lifestyle choices areincreasing the amount of waterused and affecting the quality of theriver Wandle, Beverly Brook andtheir tributaries.

Reduce water pollution and

improve water quality and

resources in river Wandle

and Beverly Brook.

Improvement of the biologicaland chemical status of theRiver Wandle and BeverlyBrook to good by 2027(Environment Agency)

Flooding Merton experiences flooding from anumber of sources especiallyfluvial flooding from the riverWandle, Beverly brook and theirtributaries.

Surface water and critical drainageproblems are also an issue in someisolated parts of the borough.

Reduce the flood risk to peopleand property from all sourcesof flooding including surfacewater flooding.

Compliance with Flood andWater Management Act 2010

Air quality Air quality is improving in Mertonbut there is further scope to reduceatmospheric pollution across theborough buildings.

Ensure the risks of pollution to

human health and all areas of

the boroughs environment are

reduced

Land use Merton is a highly urbanised area Increase the use of urbanbrownfield land


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and development should beprioritised in town and localcentres; on previously developedland and with good transport andcommunity facilities accessibility.

(Use Brownfield landefficiently)

Access to culture,leisure and socialactivities

Opportunities for culture, leisureand recreation need to be readilyavailable to all in Merton, buildingon existing facilities in the boroughand capitalising on Merton’s role inthe Olympics and the legacy afterthe games.

Improve the access to andquality of open spaces.

Improve access to cultural andleisure facilities.

The Builtand heritageenvironment

Merton has a number of statutoryand locally listed buildings withinthe borough.

It is important that anydevelopment is sensitive toMerton’s historical assets.

Improving, understanding andvalue of historical assets inMerton.

Reduce heritage buildings atrisk on English Heritage at RiskRegister.

No loss of Listed Building (localand statutory) and HistoricParks and gardens.

Protect and enhance theboroughs archaeologicalheritage (including remains) andhistorical assets (including wallsand graveyards).

Transport Accessibility to key services,facilities, employment, goods andother amenities is uneven acrossMerton; with some areas east ofthe borough having poor transportlinks to their local centre andessential amenities.

Sustainable transport in Mertonhas improved over the years.

It is essential that this is built uponin Merton

Meet Merton’s target ofreducing transport CO2emissions by 45% by:

Reduce the need totravel by car

Increase the use of sustainabletransport modes includingwalking and cycling

Health and wellbeing

There are large disparities inhealth and well-being across theborough namely in the east of theborough which has a higher

Improve health equality andaccess to health and well beingfacilities.

Encourage regular participationin sport and recreation


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Poverty and socialinclusion

There are clear disparities inincome, access to social andcommunity and; infrastructurebetween the eastern and westernpart of the borough.

Ensure everyone has access

to basic services.

Alleviate the risk of fuel povertyor reduce the number of peopleliving in fuel poverty.

Diversity andequality

Merton has a wide cultural, ethnic,faith based and racial diversity.

Promote equality where avibrant socially inclusivecommunity is encouraged.

Crime and fear ofcrime

Building on Merton’s historical lowcrime figures. Creating safer andsecure communities for all in theborough.

Maintain low rates of crimeand reduce fear of crime.

Housing Housing TargetMeet housing need (320 unitsper year)

Affordable housing

Currently in Merton there is adifference in affordability, level ofprovision, quality, environmentalperformance, design anddistribution of housing within theborough.

The London Plan and Merton localplan seek to deliver housingprovision complemented byadequate social and otherinfrastructure and that the reuse ofsurplus industrial land is managed.The provision of affordable is apriority.

Affordable Housing 10 units and above: 40%

on site

between 1-9 units: 20%cash in lieu to createadditional affordablehomes

Education andskills

There is a disparity of skills andemployment in the borough.

Namely higher level of non-educational achievement orattainment and training in the eastof the borough.

Increase opportunities toeducation and training

Number of pupils gettinggrades A-C at GCSEs(www.dcsf.gov.uk)

Improve the potential to enablemore employment options andtraining in the borough.

Work and theeconomy

There are disparities inemployment levels in the betweenthe east and west of the borough,with east having lower employmentlevels, range of employment andemployment opportunities.

Provide employment land andsupport access to employment.

Number and proportion ofeconomically active employedand number and proportion ofpeople unemployed(www.nomisweb.co.uk


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5 Scoping

5.1 Establishing the scope for appraisal has involved two key exercises:reviewing other relevant plans, plans and programmes and collatinginformation about the environment, economy and social issues. Keydocuments that have informed this task include:

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2012 Strategies prepared by the Mayor of London Strategies prepared by London Borough of Merton Merton Town Centre Capacity Study 2011 Merton Open Space Study 2010 Merton Employment Land Study 2010 Merton Town Centre Study update 2010 Merton Appropriate Assessment Merton's affordable housing viability study 2010 Merton dwelling conversions background paper 2009 Merton tall buildings background paper 2009 Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton and Croydon Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk

Assessment December 2008 and Level 2 SFRA July 2009

5.2 The scope and context of the information gathered has enabled a frameworkof sustainability objectives to he established, ‘the Sustainability AppraisalFramework’. The SA Framework provides a structure for comparing proposalsand options for the DPD and is set in appendix A. The SA frameworkcorresponds with Tasks A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5. Full details can be found inthe Sites and policies DPD Sustainability Appraisal January 2012.

6 Habitats Regulations Assessment Regulation 48 HabitatsRegulations Assessment of the DPD

6.1 The EC Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservationof Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna) passed in to domestic law byay of the Habitats Regulations (Conservation (Habitats &c) Regulations,1994). As a consequence, any proposal that is not part of a specificmanagement prescription that might have a significant effect on a Natural2000 sites (also known as European sites) must be subject to AppropriateAssessment.

6.2 Regulation 48 of the Habitats Regulations responds to the provisions of Article6 (3) and (4) of the Directive which sets out provisions for determining whetherthe plan is likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of a Natural 2000Site, including Special Protection Area, Ramsar sites (Wetlands sites) andSpecial Areas of Conservation.


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Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening

6.3 The Habitats Regulations identifies Merton Council as the CompetentAuthority which is responsible for deciding whether adverse effects are likely.The Council has consulted with Natural England which is the Government’sadvisor in this respect.

6.4 A consideration has been made of the objectives, policies and proposals of theDPD against the conservation objectives for European sites and this isprovided as Appendix (D) of this SA report. Whilst, the screening process hasdetermined that it is not likely that the DPD would lead to any adverse impacton the integrity of European sites, emerging issues have informedsustainability appraisal:

Wimbledon Common Special Area of Conservation, 1.5km to thenorth west of Wimbledon town centre has been designatedprimarily to protect the Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus. It is also animportant example of two habitats: Northern Atlantic wet healthwith Erica Tetralix and European dry heaths

Richmond Park Special Area of Conservation, west ofWimbledon is also designated to protect the Stag Beetle. TheRoyal Park is closed every night at dusk;

Air pollution can have an adverse impact on the habitats and/orthe stag beetle;

Recreation can have an adverse impact on the habitats and/orstag beetle.

7 Summary of influence of appraisal on the DPD

7.1 The findings of the appraisal have influence and have been used to helpdefine the most sustainable polices in terms of where most growth will occur;the most sustainable ways in which to pursue growth in those locations; andguiding policy principles for ensuring sustainable development is at the heartof decisions relating to individual development proposals

7.2 The process of appraisal has identified priorities that need to be addressed toensure a more sustainable approach to development and these have beenincorporated into the specific proposals and policies and is the subsequentaim of Sites and policies DPD and Proposal map.

8 Monitoring

8.1 A set of indicators and targets that correspond to the sustainability objectives,are also set in the Sustainability Appraisal Report. Some of these indicatorswill be monitored through the Local Development Framework AuthorityMonitoring Report (AMR) and some will be update each time a document inthe LDF evidence base is reviewed and published.

8.2 In addition, supplementary scoping reports will be prepared to informsubsequent Local Development Documents (LDD), as detailed in the LDS,


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although this may only cover a narrower subject area and/or a smallergeographical area depending on the LDD in question.

8.3 The indicators will be partially or informally monitored in this way, but a fullupdate of the indicators and sustainability appraisal will be undertaken at leastevery five years and/or as part of the next review of the Sites and PoliciesDPD, whichever is the sooner.


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Appraisal of developmentmanagement policies


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9 Background to the Sites and policies DPD and Proposalmap.

9.1 The development management policies give effect to the Core PlanningStrategy by detailing development requirements and constraints that willcontribute to the delivery of Merton’s spatial strategy.

9.2 Upon adoption, the DPD will supersede the development managementprovisions of the Merton’s Unitary Development Plan (2003). It should benoted that the London Plan (2011) includes development managementprovisions that does form a part of the statutory development plan for all Londonboroughs. Where there are such provisions, it has not been necessary toduplicate these in Merton’s Sites and policies DPD and Proposal map.

9.3 Since the last consultation there have been a number of changes to nationalpolicy (Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling show people)and regional policy by the Mayor of London (Affordable rents), plus additionalinformation from landowners and developers on proposal sites; which havebearing on the Site and policy DPD and Proposal map.

9.4 Therefore, the council has decided to have a final round of consultations totake place over six weeks to ensure engagement with the public on the policesin light of these changes.

9.5 Potential development sites – publishing the final list of sites for publicconsultation. In particular, this will emphasise the sites where moreinformation has become available over the past 12 months, such as the site37: Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium.

9.6 Development management policies – three revised developmentmanagement policies and three new policies:

DM H1: Supported care housing and care homes for older,vulnerable people or secure residential institution for people housedas part of the criminal justice system

DM H3: Support for affordable housing

DM H5: Student housing, other housing with shared facilities andbedsits

DM EP4 Pollutants DM R4: Protection of shopping facilities within designated shopping

frontages

9.7 Proposals Map – final consultation on land designations:

Open Space designations- final consultation on revised landdesignations. Earlier versions have been published for community


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engagement during 2012. This will bring together all of theinformation on an area basis

Gypsies, Travellers and travelling show people - Consultation onmeeting government guidance on the accommodation needs ofgypsies, travellers and travelling show people. Governmentguidance (Planning for traveller sites, March 2012) states: thatcouncils must identify and set targets for the accommodation needsfor gypsies, travellers and travelling show people in their area over5, 10 and 15 years in their Development Plan.

9.8 It is these new policies and designation that is being asset in this sustainabilityappraisal report.

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10 Sustainability Appraisal of the developmentmanagement policies

10.1 A high level and robust approach to the appraisal of thedevelopment management policies has been adopted. It focuses onthe principal themes into which the individual policies are arranged,protecting Merton’s character and residential amenity; conservationand heritage; the environment; open space and biodiversity;housing; employment and economic development; town centresand retail development; infrastructure; community and educationfacilities; implementation, resources and monitoring - and how theseperform against Merton’s sustainability objectives.

10.2 The assessment has been carried out by council officers and thefollowing scoring symbols are used in the tables below to identifypositive and/or negative effects.

Key to Symbols Used in the Appraisal

10.3 This section of the SAR provides an account of the consideration ofall proposed policies in the preferred options DPD and has beenundertaken in the context of the key issues raised by other relevantdocuments.

Table 2: Key to Symbols Used in the Appraisal

Symbol Meaning

++ Significant Positive Effect on Sustainability Objective (normally direct)

+ Minor Positive Effect on Sustainability Objective (normally indirect)

0 No Significant Effect on Sustainability Objective

- Minor Negative Effect on Sustainability Objective (normally indirect)

-- Significant Negative Effect on Sustainability Objective (normally direct)

? Uncertain Effect on Sustainability Objective

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Sustainability Objective DM H1 DM H3 DM H5 DM EP5 DM R41. Climate change + + + ++ 02. Renewable energy and carbon reduction + + + + 0

3. Biodiversity + + + ++ 04. Access to nature and open space + + + + 0

5. Noise 0 + + ++ 06. Waste 0 0 0 + -7. River and water quality use, resources andwaste water

0 0 0 ++ -

8. Flooding + + + 0 09. Air quality + + + ++ ?10. Land use ++ ++ ++ + ++11. Access to culture, leisure and social activities ++ + ++ + 0

12. The built and heritage environment + 0 0 + 0

13. Transport ++ + + ++ +14. Health and well being ++ ++ ++ ++ +15. Poverty and social inclusions ++ ++ ++ 0 +16. Diversity and equality ++ ++ ++ + ++17. Crime and fear of crime + + + 0 018. Housing ++ ++ ++ 0 -19. Affordable housing ++ ++ + 0 -20. Education and skills + + + 0 +21. Work and the economy + + + + ++

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Housing

10.4 DM H1: Support care housing and care homes for olderpeople, vulnerable people or secure residential institutions forpeople housed as part of the criminal justice system: Thispolicy meets a number of sustainability objectives includingobjectives for Health and well being, social inclusion and addressinghousing needs for all vulnerable people from diverse backgrounds.In addition, the policy seeks to ensure and provide adequate,appropriate, accessible and suitable supported housing andencourage mixed communities cohesion

10.5 DM H3 Support for affordable housing: This policy meets anumber of sustainability objectives including affordable housing,and poverty and social inclusion. The policy ensures provision ofaffordable housing in Merton which will benefit those on lowerincomes, those who find it hard to access housing and the widercommunity.

10.6 DM H5: Student housing, other housing with shared facilitiesand bedsits: This policy meets a number of sustainabilityobjectives including affordable housing. The policy ensures thatthere is more housing choice to meet the needs of Merton diversecommunity.

Environmental Protection

10.7 DM EP4 Pollutants: The policy meets a broad number ofsustainability objectives in line with regional and national policy; andseeks to avoid actions that will generate environmental, social andeconomical harm.

Centres, retail and other town centre type uses

10.8 Revised: DM R4 Protection of shopping facilities withindesignated shopping frontage: This policy meets a number ofsustainability appraisal objectives including economic and socialobjectives. This policy seeks to ensure vitality and viability toMerton’s centres and neighbourhood parades, by enabling theprovision of a wider range of appropriate retail service and facilities.This policy approach should lead to a greater consumer choice; anincrease in business and employment opportunities for thecommunity and encourage growth in Merton’s economy.

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Appraisal of site allocations

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11 Background to the site allocations

11.1 Sites allocations give effect to the Core Planning Strategy; byallocating sites for development in the borough. For sites that aresuitable for waste management, the South London Waste Plan has alsobeen subject to a sustainability appraisal.

11.2 This sustainability assessment does not therefore seek to revisit theappraisal South London Waste Plan or Core Planning Strategy, butinstead focuses on the performance of the development sites and sitedesignations against the sustainability objectives established inMerton’s Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report (2006).

12 Sustainability Appraisal of the site allocations

12.1 A 'two tier' approach to the appraisal of the site allocations has beenadopted. Firstly, the assessment considers the overall performanceof the policies against Merton's sustainability objectives.

12.2 Secondly, the assessment has appraised each site included in thedocument against the objectives. The assessment has been carriedout by council officers and the following scoring symbols are used in thetables below to identify positive and/or negative effects. The resultsof this assessment indicate that there are a number of directpositive impacts in relation to the sustainability objectives.

12.3 In the absence of a sites allocation, development proposals onindividual sites would be assessed against the relevant planningpolicy framework, which has been designed to deliver sustainabledevelopment. However, the site allocations provides an additionallevel of benefit in that it’s a practical assessment and can be aproactive in identifying opportunities based on site context andcommunity use. In addition, by engaging with landowners anddevelopers, the site allocations can also assist delivery by pro-actively setting up an approach to site development in the earlystages.

Appraisal of sites

12.4 As with the previous SA, sites were considered against a number ofcriteria. These include:

deliverability existing designated uses environmental constraints

12.5 In some cases sites promoted for development by landowners anddevelopers may not be included, for example, where the site is thesubject of an undetermined planning application, where potentialuses on the site are already set out in the Core Planning Strategyand potential development is being explored through another routeor where the site already has the same established use as what isbeing proposed.

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12.6 Pages 33-41 document the assessment of the included sitesagainst Merton’s sustainability objectives. The findings from theassessment show that the combined impact of the site allocationsoverall had a positive impact when assessed against Merton’ssustainability objectives.

12.7 The individual objectives had a varying degree of performance bothpositively, negative and neutral. The performance of theseindividual objectives generally correlates with the appraisal of thesite allocations approach.

12.8 Individual sustainability objectives that have not performed so wellhighlight areas where the council can develop mitigation measures,or consider a site's exclusion, at the next stage in the preparation ofthe site allocations, it may also identify areas for policy interventionto manage development impacts through the developmentmanagement policies.

Evaluating the effects of the site allocations

12.9 The appraisal summarised indicates predominantly positive impactsarising from the site allocations approach and the sites which havebeen selected for inclusion in the document. This can be attributedto the Sites and policies DPD's relationship with the Core PlanningStrategy, the preparation of which has also been informed by higher-level sustainability appraisal.

12.10 The site-specific elements of the appraisal are based on the approachset out for each of the sites, however this is limited by the generalnature of these uses, especially open space sites, that have sought toavoid being overly prescriptive. Therefore, sustainability issues such asthe detailed design of developments and their environmentalperformance have not been considered as this is beyond the scopeof this DPD.

12.11 Although, this recognised that such aspects may have a significantbearing on the eventual sustainability outcomes of individualdevelopments, these issues would be considered followingsubmission of individual planning applications and assessed againstthe relevant policy framework, which will have been appraised forsustainability.

12.12 Where possible constraints and negative impacts are identified, itprovides the opportunity to consider how these might be mitigated.While some of the sites have been identified as having potentialnegative impacts in relation to particular objectives, this does notmean that overall the allocation of these sites is ‘unsustainable’. Insome cases measures could be implemented to mitigate potentialadverse outcomes and these can be addressed through thedevelopment management process.

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Table 5: Key to Symbols Used in the Appraisal insert table

Symbol Meaning

++Significant Positive Effect on Sustainability Objective (normallydirect)

+ Minor Positive Effect on Sustainability Objective (normally indirect)

0 No Significant Effect on Sustainability Objective

- Minor Negative Effect on Sustainability Objective (normally indirect)

--Significant Negative Effect on Sustainability Objective (normallydirect)

? Uncertain Effect on Sustainability Objective

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Site reference Site 32: Wyvern Youth Centre.

Current use Youth CentreUse suggested /organisation

Residential -London Borough of Merton (Stage 2).

Council’s preferreduse at stage 2

Mixed use community (D1 Use Class) and residential (C3 Use Class) or solely residential (C3 Use Class) of the community serviceis provided elsewhere locally (at stage 2).

Key Change andcouncil’s preferreduse stage 3

Residential only (Stage 3): Following new information from Property Management Team regarding the viability of the centre hasinformed the new preferred use.

Site location The site is a 2-3 storey detached building in a residential area. To the east, west and opposite to the south are 2 storey semi-detached houses. To the north are terraced houses. The site is in an area of low accessibility to public transport (PTAL 2). Thesite is within an Archaeological Priority Zone.

Suggested Useoption

Sustainability Objectives

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21Suggested use andcouncil preferreduse

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ++ + 0 + ++ + ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 0

SA Comments: The Sustainability Objectives score favourably on a number of objectives covering environmental, social and economic SA objectives.Following, addition information received on viability of the community centre, which must be considered as part of this assessment the objectives supportappropriate residential only development. Nevertheless, there is a need for a balance regarding viability and local community needs. Any potentialdevelopment at this site should not have an adverse impact to the local community. Therefore, it is essential that the community need is providedelsewhere.

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Site reference Site 35: Mitcham Fire Station

Current use Fire station (old)Use suggested /organisation

Residential/ retail mixed use conversion development – London Fire & Emergency Service (Stage 2)

Council’s preferreduse at stage 2

Community uses (D1 Use Class) subject to delivery; residential (C3 Use Class) may be appropriate (at Stage 2)

Key Change andcouncil’s preferreduse Stage 3

Mixed use which could include any of the following: Community uses (e.g. cinema, gallery, theatre D2 Uses and residential (C3) –(stage 3)

Site location The fire station is within a Conservation area and is adjacent to an Archaeological Zone. The station is on an open space greentriangle to the north and west with a War memorial. To the south are a number of Listed buildings. The open space green trianglehas busy one way clockwise traffic going around the site and green.

Suggested Useoption


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21Council preferreduse

0 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0 0 ++ ++ ++ ? ++ ++ ++ + ++ + ++ ++

SA Comments: The Sustainability Objectives scores favourable for a mixed use development at this site. However, for any appropriate developmentproposals it is paramount that it is sensitive and in keeping of the areas environmental character, the surrounding area’s historic environment (includingbuilt environment), conservation area and Archaeological Zone. One area of ‘uncertainty’ is sustainability objective 13: Transport, the site is located in themiddle of a one way system that does suffer from heavy congestion and has adverse impact roads into the neighbouring borough and within Mitchamtown centre. It is therefore, important that any development proposal have strong appropriate mitigation measures for transport, road safety and parking.In addition any development proposals would need to adopt a balanced and strategic approach in combination with neighbouring sites of Wilson Hospital,Birches Close and Brooks House sites, to ensure that local need and local environmental character of the area is not adversely impacted.

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Site reference 37: Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium

Current use Greyhound StadiumUse suggested /organisation

Stage 2 (January 2012): Residential-led mixed use scheme - Savills L&P ltd on behalf of GRA Ltd

Stage 2a (June 2012): Retain greyhound use of site with enabling large foodstore - Drivers Jonas Deloitte on behalf of Hume Consulting Ltd Football stadium with associated leisure and retail activities - AFC Wimbledon

Stage 3 (January 2013):

10,000-15,000 seat football stadium and associated community / leisure facilities, circa 450-500 residential units and asubstantial retail store - Greyhound Racing Association Ltd in discussions with AFC Wimbledon.

Council’s preferreduse

Intensification of sporting activity (D2 Use Class) with supporting enabling development. Developments that facilitate more sportingactivity may be enabled by more viable uses, subject to meeting planning policy, evidence and consultation.


The majority landowner, GRA Ltd, have submitted new representations which outlines their intention to redevelop the site toprovide the land for a new football stadium with enabling residential and retail development. GRA Ltd’s previous representationshave not been withdrawn. GRA Ltd is in discussions with AFC Wimbledon regarding the delivery of the football stadium element.Council previously published preferred uses for the site as sporting intensification, or industrial and warehousing. Researchdemonstrates that demand for industrial and warehousing land in Merton and across London and the south-east has beendeclining for two decades and there is no evidence that would support the allocation of this large site as additional industrial land.

Following this new information the council has removed this reference to industrial and warehousing from the WimbledonGreyhound Stadium allocation.

In November 2012: The site’s potential for a primary school was assessed in an external report commissioned by the LondonBorough of Merton but was rejected on grounds of size and suitability for a school.

Site location The site is located in the North west of the borough near the boundary with London Borough of Wandsworth. The site is made upof two thirds greyhound racing stadium and the remainder of the site is a car park. Surrounding the site along the northern andeastern boundary the site adjoins an industrial estate. To the south of the site in Merton, at the other side of Plough Lane is an

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industrial estate. Running along the western boundary of the site is a large electricity substation. The site and its surrounds arewithin Flood Zone 3b. Most of the site is within a critical drainage area for surface water flooding.

Suggested Useoption


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21Councils preferred

use0 0 - + - 0 0 ? - ++ + 0 ? + + ++ 0 ? ? + +

SA Comments: The Sustainability Objectives score has concluded for this site that there are a number of ‘uncertainties’ The main issue here is that sitelocation functional floodplain (flood zone 3b) and the majority of the site is within a Critical Drainage Area for surface water flooding, hence the score forobjective 8: Flooding. Due to the site location within in flood zone 3b and the limitations of development that can occur on the site this can be seen inobjective 18, 19 and negative scores. It is imperative that any development proposal incorporates flooding mitigation measures for flooding from allsources (including surface water).

Another, uncertainty is transport; the area has a low PTAL (2) and the road network to the site and surrounding have issues of capacity which leads toheavy congestion. Any development proposal would need to facilitate improved transport (all modes) including walking and cycling.

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Site reference 46 The Old Lamp Works, 26 High Path Merton London SW19

Current use Factory and open storageUse suggested /organisation

Residential - Indigo Planning (consultants) representing Wispress Ltd


Mixed use offices (B1 [a] Use Class) and residential (A1 Use Class) – (Stage 2)

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Mixed use residential and community uses (Stage 3) – Following addition information submitted from agent supporting non-employment use. The council acknowledges this evidence.(The site, in conjunction with neighbouring garages (owned by Priory Homes) has been identified as suitable a school or extensionschool site).

Site location The site is within a scattered employment site predominantly surrounded by residential and other scattered employment uses inSouth Wimbledon. The site fall within an archaeological priority zone

Suggested Useoption


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21Use suggested 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 0 + ++ ++ ++ + + + + ++Councils preferred

use0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ++ + 0 + ++ ++ ++ + + + ++ +

SA Comments: The Sustainability Objectives score favourable for a mixed use with residential. Although, both the suggested use and council preferreduse have scored similar in this assessment. There is a local need in this part of the borough for school places as well as housing .This SA recommendsthat further investigations is carried out in the suitability of the site becoming a school/ satellite school.

Site reference Site 48: Land at (80-88 Bushey Road, Raynes Park SW20 0JH)

Current use Offices (B1[a] Use Class), Light Industry (B1[c] Use Class), Storage and Distribution (B8 Use Class) and Retail (A1 Use Class). InAutumn 2011, three large units were vacant.

Use suggested /organisation atStage 2.

Employment (B uses), Sui Generis e.g. vehicle sales, Retail (A1 Use Class), Hotel (C1 Use Class) and Community Use (D1 UseClass) – BNP Paribas on behalf of Ignis Real Estate / Axa Real Estate

Council’s preferred An employment-led mixed use scheme research and development (B1[b] Use Class), light industrial appropriate in a residential

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use area (B1[c] Use Class) and storage or distribution (B8 Use Classes) that may included an appropriate mix of any of the following:bulky goods retail (A1 Use Class), residential (C3 Use Class) car show room (sui generis Use Class) and school (D1 Use Class).(stage 2)

Key Change ownersstage 3 preferreduse

Preferred use by locations within the site:Section 48a: retail (A1 Use Class), to replace Apex House and Safestore (proposed by landowner Axa Real Estate)Section 48b: employment (B uses); bulky retail (A1 use class) sui generis e.g. vehicle sales; community use (whichcould include education - D1 Use Class) proposed by BNP Paribas on behalf of Ignis Real Estate, for the former ThalesAvionics portion of the site and the industrial building to the rear

Site location The site consists of various large-scale industrial buildings ranging between two and five storey in height, and substantial openparking areas. To the west is the A3 ‘Beverly Way’ dual carriage way and to the south is Bushey Road (A298). To the east of thesite is a primary school and to the north, on the opposite side of Bonant Gardens, are two-storey houses

Suggested Useoption



use0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 0 0 + ++ ++ + ++ + ++ ++

SA Comments: The sustainability appraisal scores favourable across the sustainability objectives for employment led mixed use development (B1b,B1c and B8) led mixed use development that may included an appropriate suitable mix of any of the following: bulky goods retail (A1), residential (C3)car show room (sui generis) and school (D1).

Site reference Site 53; Brook House, Cricket Green CR4

Current use The site is currently vacant (probably since 2006) but the established use is for office (B1[a] Use Class).Use suggested /organisation

Residential: by planning consultant (Gary Thomas, Planning Works) for owners (Liongate Properties).


Any of the following uses or a suitable mix of office (B1 [a] Use Class), community (D1 Use Class) and/or residential (C3 Use Class

Key Change and Any of the following uses or a suitable mix of community (D1 Use Class), nursing home/care home (C2 Use Class), hotel (C1 Use

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council’s preferreduse Stage 3

Class), and/or residential (C3 Use Class).Following additional information and evidence from the agent on behalf of the landowner which supported non-office use. Thecouncil acknowledges the site has been vacant and marketed as offices since 2008. Therefore, the council supports non-officeuse, based on marketing evidence and other information submitted by the agent. Council also acknowledges other potential useson the site suggested by the agent including a nursing home/care home, hotel or day nurseries/crèche type activities.

Site location The site is within Mitcham Cricket Green Conservation Area and within an Archaeological Priority Zone. To the east is an openspace Mitcham Cricket Green which is a MOL, a Green Corridor, Green Chain, and is part of Wandle Valley Regional CountryPark. The site is within an area with moderate level of access to public transport accessibility

Suggested Useoption



use0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 ++ ++ ++ 0 ++ ++ ++ + + ++ + ++

SA comments: The Sustainability Objectives score favourable for a variety of mixed used uses for this site. Any appropriate development must besensitive and do not have an adverse impact to the historic environment (including built environment), conservation area, Archaeological Zone andWandle Valley Regional Country Park. Importantly, any site allocation must consider the nearby sites of Wilson hospital and Birches Close and ensurethat there is a balance strategic approach to these sites in this area. As the site is in an area of economic and health deprivation it is vital that anydevelopment proposal must be driven by local community needs, balancing health, housing and employment.

Site reference Site 65: Kenley Road Car Park , Adjacent Kendor Gardens, Kenley Road, Merton Park SW19 3HZ

Current use Commuter car parkUse suggested /organisation

Residential London Borough of Merton


Residential (C3 use class) to be developed in conjunction with the MoreMorden masterplan.

Key Change and Education use being considered.

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council’s preferreduse Stage 3Site location This site is a pay and display car park with approximately 120 vehicle spaces, which are predominately used by commuters utilising

Morden Tube Station. The site is generally rectangular in shape. To the immediate west of the site is a linear park above the northernline tube, to the north and east are 2 storey residential terraces, and to the immediate south is a three storey residential apartmentbuilding. The surrounds of the site can be generally characterised as residential

Suggested Useoption


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

With education use 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 + ++ + 0 ++ ++ ++ ++ + ++ + ++ ++

SA Comments: The sustainability objectives score favourably for residential due to the location of the site and surrounding area (Morden Town centre)as, part of the SA at stage 2. If we assess the site with the inclusion of educational use the sustainability objectives supports this possibility.

However, it is imperative that any appropriate development must be sensitive and respectful to adjacent open space, residential and commercialamenities of properties adjacent to or in the vicinity of the site. Furthermore, incorporate flooding (from all sources), parking, and traffic; and road safetymitigation measures with any proposal.

Site reference Site 70: Haslemere Industrial Estate, 20 Ravensbury Terrace, Wimbledon Park, SW18

Current use Business and industrialUse suggested /organisation

Alternative uses on the site (such as residential) - Jones Lang LaSalle on behalf of Astranta Asset Management


Business / Light Industrial (B1)

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Business/Light Industrial (B1) or a suitable employment led redevelopment. Following evidence from agent regarding the standardof the current buildings and huge cost of refurbishing the building to appropriate standard would be high.

Site location The site is situated toward the northern borough boundary with Wandsworth and is adjacent to the River Wandle and to therailway line to the east. The site has a mixture of purpose built industrial units and provides vehicular access to the adjoiningRufus Business Estate to the south. The site is within 5mins walk to Earlsfield station which is situated less than 400mnorth‐east of the site. Immediately to the north of the site is 12 Ravensbury Terrace, a three storey building which has recentlybeen renovated and is occupied by creative businesses which include an architecture firm. Further north is a neighbouringsite proposal, 12A Ravensbury Terrace. West of the site is predominantly small residential terraces. To the east of the site isthe River Wandle and railway.

Suggested Useoption



use0 0 0 - - - - - + ++ 0 0 0 + ++ ++ + 0 0 ++ ++

SA Comments: The Sustainability Objectives still scores favourably for light industrial or light industrial re-development. It is recognised andacknowledges that cost of refurbishing the building would be high however, it is essential that the site remains one for employment use. Adopting anemployment led development approach would be the most appropriate and sustainable for this employment area and surrounding industrial estate; thus,providing development proposal incorporate suitable mitigation measures to address the issues associated with the functional floodplain to minimise floodrisk for future occupiers and the potential for water pollution from the site. Any development must be sympathetic to archaeological heritage in the area.

Site reference Site 71: Land on Corner of Weir Road/Durnsford Road (Homebase and Vantage House, 1 Weir Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8UG)

Current use Offices partly vacant, Homebase retail unit, associated car parking, electricity sub stationsUse suggested /organisation

Hotel, A3 Use, residential -Blue Sky Planning on behalf of LaSalle Investment Management


Industrial and warehousing (B1b, B1c, B2, B8)

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Industrial and warehousing (B1b, B1c, B2, B8) or business led development. Following information regarding the industrial andwarehouse sector and the likely decrease in the sector.

Site locationThe site is currently occupied by a bulky retail unit (Homebase), a 4 storey office building with undercroft parking, and largeelectrical transformer building and open parking which straddles various level changes across the site.

Vehicular access to the site is obtained via driveway entries from Weir Road along the southern boundary and the north-eastern boundary. To the north-west of the site are business units on large tracts of land. To the east of the site is a wastemanagement facility, to the south of the site are the 4 storey residential apartment buildings at Plough Lane and the west ofthe site on the opposite side of Durnsford Road are 2 storey residential terraces.

Suggested Useoption


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21Use suggested 0 0 - - - - 0 - + 0 ++ ++ ++ - + 0 0 + + 0 +Councils preferred

use0 0 - - + - 0 - + 0 ++ ++ + + + 0 0 0 0 + ++

SA Comments: The sustainability objectives score favourably for industrial use at this site, due to the employment site location and current surroundingemployment uses. However, in light of new information and evidence this assessment must consider this. However, we must bear in mind the locality ofthe site, the electricity transformer and have an adverse impact to the entrance of Weir Road for vehicle movements associated with its Strategic IndustrialLocation. In addition, any appropriate development proposals will need to incorporate suitable mitigation measures to address the flooding issues (fromall sources including surface and ground water flooding), parking, traffic and road safety impacts on neighbouring streets,

Site reference Site 75: Former MitchamGasworks-49 Seagas House, Western Road, Mitcham, CR4 3ED

Current use Vacant. Last used as regional offices for the National Grid. The site has outline planning permission for a major residentialemployment scheme

Use suggested / Residential and retail (convenience) - Drivers Jonas Deloitte on behalf of Nation Grid.

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Site reference Site 78: 19 1-193 Western Road, Mitcham, CR4 3ED.

Current use Factory and open storageUse suggested / Residential – James Davies

organisationKey Change andcouncil’s preferreduse Stage 3

Residential lead development (Stage 3).

Proposed uses will be dependent on the decommissioning of the gasholder. If the gasholder is decommissioned, it isrecommended that site redevelopment is taken forward through the preparation of a planning brief (supplementary planningdocument) to clarify the proposed uses, address the layout, design, essential infrastructure requirements (including schoolplaces) and other unique issues associated with this site.

Site location The site has been cleared with the exception of a large gas holder in the northern corner of the site. Access to the site is via adriveway entry from Western Road, a reasonably busy road which connects the site with Mitcham Town Centre.

To the north of the site is a large retail warehouse currently under redevelopment for purpose of a supermarket, to the west andeast are two storey residential dwellings, whilst to the south is the excluded part of the gasholder site beyond which are 3 storeyresidential apartment buildings and a medical centre.

Suggested Useoption


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Councils preferreduse

? ? 0 + 0 0 0 0 ? ++ + 0 0 ++ ++ ++ 0 ++ ++ + +

SA Comments: The sustainability objectives score favourably for residential due to its location adjacent to Mitcham town centre boundary but within inwalking distance of the town centre uses. However, due to the former use of the site any development within the vicinity of the gasholder is subject torestrictions set out in the HSE’s land use planning methodology (PADHI), which limits the potential for residential led mixed use development at present. If thegasholder is decommissioned and the site decontaminated and cleared, this will remove any HSE restriction on use, function and layout of the site.

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organisationCouncil’s preferreduse

Residential

Site location The site is situated on the southern side of Western Road, which is a busy arterial thoroughfare. The site is currentlyoccupied by a warehouse building and hard-standing parking area. Sole access to the open yard adjoining the west of the site isthrough the site. The subject site is surrounded by two storey residential properties to the south, east and west and alsoprovides access to an adjacent open yard business to the south‐west. To the north of the site on the opposite side of WesternRoad is a scattered large industrial site occupied by Blackout, a blinds and rigging company.

Suggested Useoption


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21Residential Use 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 - + + + + ++ 0 0 - 0 ++ + + +

SA Comments: The sustainability objectives score favourably for residential due to the site location and surrounding area as the most appropriatesustainable development for this site. However, for any potential development to be sustainable it must ensure there is no adverse potential impact onarchaeological heritage protected species, biodiversity and the adjacent green corridor, incorporate suitable mitigation measures to address the issuesassociated with the functional floodplain and flooding from all sources (including surface water and critical drainage) minimise flood risk for future occupiersand the potential for water pollution from the site and mitigating measure for the potential parking, traffic and safety impacts on neighbouring streets andlocal amenity.

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13 Conclusion

13.1 As part of the sustainability appraisal it is required to identify keysustainability issues. The Sites and policies DPD, and Proposalmap have the opportunity to take forward area specific proposals ina manner that maximises the benefits to sustainability and avoidsadverse impacts.

13.2 The areas selected as the focus for economic growth and stability isinherently the most sustainable, based on a network of centresbeing well connected by public transport that supports sustainablemodes of travel.

13.3 However, it is essential that a balance is always sought in terms ofhousing, employment, leisure and community activities, includingopen space and the natural environment.

13.4 Crucially, this balance must be appropriate to reinforce sustainabilityand improve quality of life. All redevelopment and developmentproposals must take the opportunity to improve the physicalenvironment and minimise the risks associated with a changingclimate.

13.5 Issue such as flooding from all sources, poverty (income and fuel),community, social provision and health provision are areas ofconcern within the borough, although mainly in the east of theborough it should be recognised that there are pockets ofdeprivation in the west of the borough with similar needs. Therefore,it is essential that any potential development address these issues.

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Appendix 1

Previous public consultation for the Site and policies DPD andProposal map

13.6 Merton Sites and policies DPD was started in July 2011 and sincethen has been through three stages of public consultation over atotal of more than eight months:

13.7 July-September 2011 – Stage 1 Call for sites to encouragerespondents to submit sites for potential redevelopment, issues tobe considered for new detailed planning policies and potential landdesignations on the Proposals Map

13.8 January-May 2012 – Stage 2 Preferred options for approximately20 detailed planning policies, approximately 50 potential sites andProposals Map changes

13.9 June-July 2012 – Stage 2a Preferred options continued for anadditional 15 sites suggested at Stage 2, three detailed planningpolicies and some Proposals Map amendments.