Introduction

Welcome to the consultation website for the redevelopment of land at 20a Rectory Lane, Tooting. This provides information on the proposal by Landchain and gives you an opportunity to comment. We would welcome your views and you can provide feedback using the form at the bottom of this page. Comments are invited by 10 July 2023.

The proposal relates to an area of land that is approximately 0.25 hectares in size. It contains a detached, two-storey house that was formerly used by the Rector of St Nicholas Church. The property was no longer needed by the church and was sold to Landchain in 2022. The firm has since been exploring the potential to redevelop the land, which occupies a sustainable location, close to services and facilities. The site is shown in red on the plan below.

Their scheme will provide a mix of private and affordable homes. Following the consultation, Landchain will finalise the proposal and apply to Wandsworth Council for Planning Permission.

The Proposal

It is first proposed that the existing house on the site will be demolished - this building is of poor architectural design and is not of any historic interest.

The proposal will then provide 34 apartments. They will include a mix of one, two and three bedroom properties that reflect the planning policy requirements of Wandsworth Council. Landchain is also seeking to provide an element of on-site affordable housing. The development will therefore provide much-needed accommodation for small families and young professionals.

The design and layout take account of the site's characteristics and reflects the varied architecture in the local area. It has evolved following detailed discussions with the Local Planning Authority at Wandsworth Council and has also been assessed by the Wandsworth Design Review Panel (which includes experienced architects, landscape architects and planners). The proposal has already been amended to reflect their detailed feedback.

The apartments will be provided within three detached buildings, as illustrated in the layout plan below.  This arrangement has been discussed with the Council and reflects the established pattern of development in the surrounding area. The first building will be positioned on the street frontage, following the established building line on Rectory Lane. The second and third buildings will be behind, and their position follows the pattern of the existing terraces on Southview Close to the north.

The surrounding streets include both traditional and modern buildings and the proposal will fit in well. The buildings will have a contemporary design but will predominantly use brick to blend with the area and reference traditional materials. The elevations include details with bands of ‘ribbed’ brick that will add interest and articulation.

The building fronting Rectory Lane and the central apartments will both be four storeys high (reflecting the neighbouring buildings on Rectory Lane to the south). The top floors of these buildings will be 'inset’ from the main elevations. They will also use zinc cladding on the top floor to give the appearance of a roof, and to minimise any visual impact when viewed from the street. This can be seen in the aerial illustration below. The building at the back of the site will be lower, with just three storeys.

The layout plan also shows that the proposal includes significant areas of communal open space and landscaping. These will offer informal seating areas for the residents and space for children to play. The landscaped areas within the site will include planting and trees. As part of the development, it is proposed that two additional trees will also be planted on Rectory Lane. These will follow the existing line of trees along Rectory Lane to the south of the site and will soften views of the buildings along the street scene.

As well as the communal open spaces within the development, each apartment will have its own private balcony. There may also be potential for ‘green roofs’ over parts of the scheme. The plans show that there is scope to include solar panels on the roofs as part of the proposals to deliver a sustainable form of development.

Amenities and Access

The site is in a highly sustainable location where residents will benefit from good access to local shops and services. There is a range of local amenities on Mitcham Road and Tooting Town Centre is within 200m of the site. Tooting Broadway is just 0.7 miles to the northwest and this also offers a range of shops, bars and restaurants.

There is also excellent access to public transport. Tooting Station is just a short walk away, and this provides a direct link to London Blackfriars (approximately 26 minutes journey time). Tooting Broadway Underground, which is on the Northern Line, is within less than 15 minutes walk. The site is also well served by both day and night buses.

Given its location, residents will be able to access a good range of shops, schools, healthcare, jobs and leisure facilities without the need of a car, and so the proposal does not provide parking for residents. One disabled parking space will be included however, with access from Rectory Lane. This vehicular access will provide for emergency services and refuse collections.

Bicycle storage is included for those who want to cycle for commuting or leisure. The level of bicycle parking complies with the Council's standards.

Consultation

We believe it is important that local residents are aware of what is happening and are given an opportunity to comment. As such, we have started consultation on our proposal with residents, local councillors and other stakeholders. 

Information about the proposal has been made available on this website. We will also be sending a letter to nearest residents. 

We welcome your feedback and views on our proposal, and you can provide your comments using the form below.  Alternatively, you can write to us using the consultation email address below.

Here are the key dates in the consultation process:

• The online public consultation process will run from 19 June 2023 to 10 July 2023

• The deadline for feedback on the proposal is 10 July 2023

• We will review all feedback and provide a consultation statement with Landchain’s planning application, highlighting the key points.

Any feedback received after 10 July 2023 will be reviewed and may be shared with the planning authority as an update to the planning application and consultation report.