Merton Council approves 11-storey Mitcham scheme despite heritage group warning

Merton Council has approved a 249-home redevelopment in Mitcham town centre, including the tallest buildings the area has seen. The scheme, on the former Morrisons site on Majestic Way, will deliver 11-storey blocks alongside new commercial and community space. Completion is expected in 2029.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage group, which says it contradicts the council’s own Local Plan. The group has written to council leader Ross Garrod demanding an emergency review of planning policies, warning the approval could encourage similar tall buildings across the borough.

Local Plan at risk, group warns

The Local Plan, adopted after seven years of consultation, sets limits on building height and scale in Mitcham. The Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage group says the Majestic Way decision undermines those policies. In a letter to Garrod, the group described the approval as "a betrayal" of the plan’s development.

The group’s letter, sent last week, states the decision "goes well beyond Mitcham" and could set a precedent for tall buildings in areas not designated for them. It also criticises the conduct of the planning meeting, claiming discussions on conditions began before councillors had agreed the principle of approval.

Council silent on review call

Merton Council has not responded to the group’s letter. It also declined to comment when approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The council, led by Labour, has not explained why the scheme was approved despite objections from local heritage groups.

Clarion Housing, the developer, said the scheme would create a "stronger high street" and help meet the borough’s housing need. Merton currently has more than 10,000 households on its social housing waiting list. The development will provide 249 affordable homes.

What happens next

Demolition of the existing site is scheduled to begin in February 2027. The Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage group says it will continue to press for a policy review. The council has not indicated whether it will reconsider its planning guidelines.