Initial plans to demolish a Wimbledon workshop and build 24 "affordable" flats have been submitted.

Brookes Architects have put forward an application for 'outline planning permission (OPP)' for an MOT test centre in Elm Grove.

An OPP is generally used to find out, at an early stage, whether or not a proposal is likely to be approved by the planning authority, before any substantial costs are incurred. This type of

planning application allows fewer details about the proposal to be submitted.

In one of the documents attached to this application, it said that turning the site into a five storey building would be in line with other developments around the area.

"The proposed scheme will continue the pattern of development in the area with a large scale building along the railway line and will create natural surveillance along the pubic footpath between the site and the railway line," it read.

"The appearance will greatly enhance the public footpath near the railway and add much needed affordable housing in the local area."

The trading estate in which the site is located has been undergoing a transformation including the construction of a new office and six houses (Crownall Studios), the conversion of a warehouse (Bell House) into five houses and the conversion of units 5-7 (also a warehouse) to eight flats.

The application also said that the owner of the adjacent Watson Diesel site is in discussions with a housing association.

"Both schemes will be linked and provide 100 per cent affordable housing," the application read.

"On this basis, it is not proposed to replace the existing employment floor space on the site.

"We appreciate that the removal of employment space is not policy compliant.

"However, in lieu of this, provision of 100 per cent affordable housing will significantly exceed policy requirements and, in our view, will outweigh the loss of commercial space."

This proposal would see 42 homes built.