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Search the Public Notice PortalPlans to convert a former chapel into a house have been submitted, but residents are divided.
On March 21, Sutton Council received an application from developers UK to turn the former chapel at 209 Banstead Road into a residential dwelling.
The chapel is located within designated greenbelt land and forms part of an approved cemetery site.
If approved, the chapel will be converted into a functional two-bedroom dwelling with a kitchen, dining room, sitting room, and bathroom.
The development will also see a reduction in the number of car parking spaces.
There are currently 18 parking spaces at the site, but the development would reduce the number of spaces to just two.
The developers say the reduction would increase green spaces and would enhance its ecological and visual value.
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 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: “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.”
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 is maintained.
“I suggest 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.”
Sutton Council will make a decision on whether to approve or reject this application by June 9.
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