Over 200 people have signed a petition to exclude the site of a controversial block of flats from an historic conservation area and defend the area from future construction work.
The petition, launched by members of the Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage group (MCGCH), argues that the proposed development on the old Kwik-Fit site in London Road, Mitcham fails to "preserve or enhance" the conservation area.
February 3: Petition launched to remove Mitcham Cricket Green Conservation Area status from Kwik Fit flats
The area is within the Mitcham Cricket Green Conservation Area and is an Archaeological Priority Zone.
Residents want to protect the historic conservation area
However, Merton's cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, has insisted the plans are an improvement on the current site.
Merton Council granted permission for a three and four storey block of 22 flats, car parking and non-residential floor space – which could be used for a café, shop or offices – to be built on the site at a planning committee meeting on January 21.
Trustee of MCGCH, Tony Burton, said the plans “set a precedent for allowing unacceptable construction in the conservation area."
He said: "There is lots of development pressure around Mitcham Cricket Green, and that’s why we need these plans to be excluded from the building restrictions.
“We welcome the attention given to Mitcham, but some plans are misguided.”
The petition against the decision, signed by 214 people and addressed to Cllr Judge, will be presented by Councillor Judy Saunders at this evening's full council meeting.
January 16: Controversial flats plan for former Kwik Fit site looms over historic Mitcham Cricket Green
Speaking in February, Cllr Judge said “The proposed building will be a vast improvement on the appearance of the current site.
"It should be noted that the independent and expert design review panel liked the scale and mass of the building, which was designed to respect and complement the surrounding buildings.
“Merton’s design officers also supported the roof design and the use of complimentary, but contrasting brick colours, which they considered would preserve and enhance the character of the conservation area.”
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