Demolition of a detached house overlooking Mitcham Common to make way for nine flats has been approved by Merton Council despite complaints that "it wouldn't be allowed on Wimbledon Common".

Wimbledon Times:

An artist's impression of the approved development in Commonside East. Picture: Ideal Planning and Design Ltd. 

Developers were given permission to erect a three-storey block of flats on the corner of Commonside East and Cedars Avenue at a council meeting on Thursday.

More than 15 people called on the planning committee to reject the development, including Councillor Martin Whelton, who represents Pollards Hill, Alan Hutchings, secretary of the Mitcham Society and Melanie Nunzet, secretary of Friends of Mitcham Common.

But the plans were approved by planning officers, after developers amended plans by moving the entrance to the Commonside East side of the property and altering the exterior design to brick.

CCTV provision in the car park was also added to plans after police raised concerns about security on the site.

In a letter of objection to the planning committee, Jean Mooney wrote: "Mitcham Common is a precious resource of considerable ecological rarity especially being so close to central London that must not be further compromised or threatened.

"A similar proposal for such a development facing Wimbledon Common would certainly be turned down."

She also complained that the contemporary style was "totally out of character" with neighbouring properties and the height of the building would block light and reduce privacy.

Gwen Martin, of Mitcham Park, wrote: "The development is not in line with neighbouring houses.

"It is flat roofed and permission would never be granted if a similar application were made for development on Wimbledon Common.

"Let's us give Mitcham Common and their residents the same respect and consideration that Wimbledon Common is given."

Councillor Martin Whelton raised concerns about security around the proposed car park, increased noise levels and said the proposed design would be a "potential eyesore".

But a planning officer said at Thursday's meeting it would make a "meaningful contribution" to the borough's housing target and was in line with London's density thresholds.

He denied the building's massing would cause overshadowing, loss of privacy and loss of light.

Before the building starts, developers will have to meet a number of conditions, including getting floor levels approved and producing a parking management strategy.

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