Sutton (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A planning application has been submitted to convert a former chapel on Banstead Road, Sutton, into a residential home, pending local authority approval.
As reported by Your Local Guardian, developers UK submitted an application to Sutton Council on March 21 to convert the historic chapel at 209 Banstead Road into a residential building.
The chapel is part of an authorized cemetery site and is situated on land that has been designated as a greenbelt.
The chapel will be transformed into a usable two-bedroom home with a kitchen, dining area, living room, and bathroom if it is permitted.
There will be fewer parking spots for cars at the property as well.
The construction would cut the number of parking spots at the site from the existing 18 to just two.
According to the developers, the reduction would improve the area’s ecological and aesthetic value while also creating more green spaces.
They added: “The proposed conversion to a single dwelling will significantly reduce vehicle movements to and from the site, mitigating traffic impacts and associated noise in this otherwise tranquil greenbelt location.
This will result in a quieter and less disruptive use of the site, enhancing the amenity of local residents and preserving the tranquillity of the greenbelt.”
In their planning statement, they outlined that there will be a reduction in traffic and noise, the architectural character will be maintained, and that this is a development that is compatible with the Green Belt objectives.
The statement says: “Converting the chapel to a single residential dwelling will significantly affect traffic movements, as the limited occupancy will generate minimal vehicle trips.
This reduction in traffic and noise will improve local amenity and align with Sutton Council’s goals of minimising environmental impacts in sensitive areas, including the Green Belt.”
Sutton residents are torn, with some supporting the application and others objecting.
Anthony Ford, of Gilhams Avenue, objected to the plan and said that the Chapel was granted on the need and requirement of the local community, and we believe that there is still a need.
Clearly the owners were never intending on using the planning permission to use the building as a chapel and have had numerous applications rejected to build a residential property.
The owners have clearly tried to manipulate the council’s planning procedure for personal gain to build a residence and never intended to offer the building as a chapel as per the official application.
Some locals are worried about possible effects on neighboring properties’ privacy, views, and lighting, especially if the new development adds more windows or modifies the building’s height or footprint.
Approval of the conversion raises concerns that it may set a precedent for similar buildings along Banstead Road, speeding up the neighborhood’s transition away from its traditional character.
Mahendra Patel, of Banstead Road, supported the application, but with conditions.
He said: “I support this application in principle.
However, I request that the privacy of my first floor rear bedrooms overlooking the front of the existing chapel and my ground floor kitchen be maintained.”
He added that he suggested the access road side close to the Eucalyptus tree be raised to 3.6m and fast growing Leylandii trees suitable for purpose be planted along the side parallel to the rear fence of 209 Banstead Road to achieve privacy to my bedrooms.
The developers said: “We are confident that this proposal balances the preservation of Sutton’s greenbelt with the sustainable reuse of a well-integrated site, providing a high-quality home with no detriment to the surrounding area.
We respectfully request that the London Borough of Sutton grant planning permission for this proposal.”
By June 9, Sutton Council will decide whether to accept or deny this proposal.
What are the main concerns of the local community regarding the proposed development in Sutton?
Concerns have been raised by locals that converting the chapel or building a new home might amount to overdevelopment, particularly if the finished structure is noticeably bigger or higher than nearby residences.
There are worries that the site might not fit the size of the proposed property, which could upset the street’s established rhythm and scale.
Objections emphasize concerns that the proposed home’s design might not respect Banstead Road’s architectural style or local surroundings. Residents worry that a lack of empathy in the design could make the new development stand out negatively rather than fit in, taking away from the area’s aesthetic coherence and appeal.
The chapel might be regarded as a local landmark even if it is no longer used for religious purposes.