A four-year-old planning application in Carshalton has been passed, despite opposition.
Since 2005, 40 Coleridge Avenue has been at the centre of a row over the development of four flats on the property’s site.
Earlier last month, on November 17, the development control committee (DCC) granted permission for the current house to be demolished, at the fourth time of asking.
The proposals have proven hugely unpopular with residents, councillors and MPs, with many calling for a complete overhaul of the planning system.
Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, said: “I am very unhappy this has gone through.
“The system needs to be reformed, giving people the right to appeal.
“The authority is caught between a rock and hard place – they want to represent residents, but are increasingly prevented from doing so because of planning laws and precedent.”
Paul Scully, the council opposition leader, said he was appalled by the DCC’s decision.
He said: “At the fourth time of asking a planning application to demolish a perfectly good family house to build four houses in the back garden was approved, after all bar one councillor voted it through.
“Two ward councillors from both political parties, both who know the area very well, spoke robustly against the application.”
Jenny Willsher, who lives at number 38, said: “When this whole debacle began I started a petition because I felt so strongly about it.
“Over the years it has just worn me out. It’s awful the development has finally got the go-ahead.
“It really is a case of double standards, because there is no appeal system for residents.
“If developers want to appeal against a negative decision they can take it up with the Secretary of State.”
Councillor Ruth Dombey, deputy leader of Sutton Council, said: “We know the planning appeals system infuriates residents, and share their frustrations when developments opposed by them and by the council are overturned on appeal by the planning inspector.
“That is why we have submitted a proposal to the Local Government Association which would see planning appeals decided locally by a panel of expert residents and councillors.”
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