Planning application

Merton Council is reviewing a planning application (Ref 25/P2275) for major changes to the Gorringe Park, including the addition of flats, large extensions, and the removal of community spaces.

This application would permanently alter the building and threaten its role as a true community pub.

You don’t need to be an expert — what matters most is that local people write in their own words. 

🕐 Deadline

The official deadline was 25 November, but the Council will still accept late comments. If you haven’t submitted one yet, we encourage you to do so — every individual response helps.

How to comment:

Email: planning.representations@merton.gov.uk

Subject line: Planning Application 25/P2275 – Gorringe Park Hotel, 29 London Road, Tooting SW17 9JR

Quote the reference number in your message.

Copy us if you wish: projectgorringe@gmail.com — this helps us track community engagement.

🟨 All comments are public and appear on the Council’s planning register.

What to Write:

You can use this short outline:

1. Say who you are (“I live locally…” or “I use the pub…”)

2. State you are objecting (“I wish to object to planning application 25/P2275.”)

3. Choose any points from the list below (use your own words)

4. End by asking for refusal (“For these reasons, I ask the Council to refuse the application.”)

That’s it. Even five sentences is fine.

Key Issues You Can Raise

(Please avoid copying and pasting — if the planning officers receive identical messages, they may treat them as duplicates and overlook important individual points)

A. Loss of Pub & Community Space

• Entire first floor removed from pub use (kitchen, dining/function rooms, WCs)

• Basement function/cinema space reduced

• These rooms are essential for events, screenings and community use

• Even with the proposed extension, this is a significant loss of pub space

• Removing them makes the pub less viable

B. Heritage & Character

• Original features (fireplaces, cornicing) moved into private flats

• Extensions and layout changes harm the building’s character and public role

• Loss of external space due to proposed flats entrance within the historic shopfront

• The building is a recognised local landmark

C. Flats Next to / Above a Working Pub

• No noise or odour assessments provided

• High risk of future complaints, which could affect pub operation

• Acoustic treatments to ceilings and walls may lead to loss of more heritage features

• Planning policy requires assessing these impacts — the application does not

D. Cellar deliveries Moved to Grenfell Road

• Pub deliveries and waste collections moved to a narrow residential street

• Increased congestion on Grenfell Road

• No assessment of noise, disturbance or safety

• This arrangement is unsuitable for pub servicing

E. Loss of the Garden

• The enclosed rear garden is removed

• This was a valuable family- and dog-friendly space

• The front area on London Road is not a suitable replacement

F. Parking, Refuse & Servicing Issues

• Refuse arrangements unclear, require convoluted route from flats to bin stores, and may obstruct neighbours

• Weak assessment of parking impacts or servicing needs

• No guarantee from applicant that the proposal will be car free

G. Community Value

• Hundreds of residents have supported an ACV nomination

• Planning policy requires protecting community facilities unless loss is justified — no justification has been provided

Example Email (please use as reference but write in your own words)

Dear Planning Officer,

I am writing to object to application 25/P2275 for 29 London Road.

I live locally and am concerned that the plans remove essential pub and community spaces, including the entire first floor and the rear garden. The function/cinema room is reduced, limiting community use.

Cellar deliveries would be moved to Grenfell Road, a narrow residential street, with no assessment of noise or safety. The flats above and beside the pub have no noise or odour assessment, which puts the pub at risk of future complaints.

Original features are moved into private flats, which harms the character of the building and removes them from public use.

[Add or replace with your own reasons]

For these reasons, I ask the Council to refuse the application.

Yours sincerely,

[Name]

[Address]