25 Melrose Road, LONDON, SW19 3HF

for the installation of a hard-standing with vehicular crossover. Removal of Holly hedge

Authority: London Borough of Merton
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: other · Other minor developments
Inspector: Jolly J

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the proposal would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the John-Innes Merton Park Conservation Area

What decided it

The removal of a large section of the Holly hedge would create an unacceptable void in the verdant character of the Conservation Area that cannot be adequately mitigated, and the minimal public benefits do not outweigh this harm.

Framework references: 200, 202

Plan policies cited: Policy D4 of the London Plan (2021), Policy DMD2 of the Merton Council Sites and Policies Plan and Policies Maps (2014), Policy DMD4 of the Merton Council Sites and Policies Plan and Policies Maps (2014), Policy CS14 of the London Borough of Merton LDF Core Planning Strategy (2011)

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Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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