A plan for an eight storey ‘aparthotel’ in south Wimbledon has been unanimously refused by councillors.

Developers Jones Granville want to demolish a terrace of two storey houses at 34-40 Morden Road in south Wimbledon and replace them with an eight story aparthotel featuring 31 serviced apartments and nine residential flats.

Council officers had recommended the proposals be approved despite receiving 91 objections from residents with concerns primarily over a lack of parking and the inappropriate height of the building.

Councillors unanimously rejected the application at a planning meeting on Thursday, October 10.

Speaking at the meeting one resident, Mr Boyce said: "The number of balconies proposed also raises real concern about privacy particularly for those living opposite on the High Path estate.

"No amount of frosted glass will counter the noise or light intrusion in what is a 24 hour proposal."

He added: "This will be detrimental to the character of south Wimbledon.

"It’s nothing but a smash and grab by a greedy developer and it adds nothing to the area other than an architectural eyesore."

An aparthotel allows residents to book accommodation using a hotel style booking system at cheaper rates than a hotel as it does not include normal hotel services such as room service or a bar.

Conservative councillor Henry Nelless and Labour councillor Andrew Judge, of Abbey Ward, both spoke against the proposals which would have created just one job.

Coun Nelless said: "Mr Boyce has already spoken of the light concerns and there are genuine parking concerns that come with an aparthotel.

"Both are extremely valid and when taken together I feel there is an overwhelming case for refusal."

Coun Judge said: "This will lead to the demolition of existing houses of character in a vernacular style and they represent some of the oldest buildings in the area."

He added: "The proposal to demolish them and build this block will do the opposite of enhancing Merton’s sense of place.

"It will be a detriment to the neighbourhood."

A similar application for a nine storey building with 58 apartments was withdrawn by developers in December 2012 after they were advised it would be rejected.

The developer’s most recent application was unanimously refused by councillors on the grounds that it was too high, inappropriate for the area and would overshadow adjacent properties.

 

TODAY'S TOP MERTON STORIES