Key Points

• Merton Council has approved the Majestic Way redevelopment in Mitcham town centre, allowing 249 new homes in buildings of up to 11 storeys.
• The Clarion Housing Group scheme will deliver 100% affordable housing, new community facilities, retail space and public realm improvements on the former Morrisons supermarket site.
• The development is located close to the Mitcham Cricket Green Conservation Area, making building height and heritage impact key planning issues.
• Supporters say the project addresses London’s affordable housing shortage and will help regenerate Mitcham town centre.
• Opponents, including Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage (MCGCH), argue the scale of the development conflicts with conservation policies and local planning guidance.
• Campaigners believe the approval could set a precedent for taller buildings in Mitcham town centre despite concerns about heritage, townscape and local character.
• The decision reflects Merton Council’s attempt to balance affordable housing delivery with heritage protection under the borough’s adopted Local Plan.

Merton (South London News) August 4, 2026 – Merton Council has granted planning permission for the Majestic Way redevelopment in Mitcham town centre, enabling Clarion Housing Group to build 249 affordable homes on the former Morrisons supermarket site. The development will include residential buildings ranging up to 11 storeys, ground-floor retail units, community space and significant improvements to the surrounding public realm.

The scheme has been promoted as a major regeneration project that will replace an underused retail site with new affordable housing while improving pedestrian connections through the town centre. The council concluded that the benefits of delivering affordable homes and investment in Mitcham outweighed concerns regarding the building height and overall scale of the development.

Why do critics believe the development conflicts with Merton’s planning and conservation policies?

The redevelopment sits close to the Mitcham Cricket Green Conservation Area, one of the borough’s most historically important locations. Conservation policies aim to preserve the area’s historic setting, open views and relatively low-rise character.

Critics argue that residential blocks reaching 11 storeys are significantly taller than surrounding buildings and do not respect the character of the conservation area. They believe the approved design conflicts with planning guidance intended to protect Mitcham Cricket Green and maintain appropriate building heights within its setting.

What concerns have Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage raised?

Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage (MCGCH) has consistently argued that redevelopment around Cricket Green should remain modest in scale and carefully designed to protect the area’s historic significance.

The group has raised concerns about:

• Excessive building height.
• Visual impact on the conservation area.
• Changes to important views.
• Increased density.
• Potential over-development.
• Long-term precedent for future tall buildings.

Campaigners believe the Majestic Way scheme introduces buildings that will become the tallest in Mitcham town centre and permanently alter its historic skyline.

How does the council justify the need for the redevelopment?

Merton Council considers affordable housing delivery a major priority because of ongoing housing pressures across London.

The council believes the project will:

• Deliver 249 affordable homes.
• Provide homes for local residents in housing need.
• Regenerate a vacant supermarket site.
• Improve Mitcham town centre.
• Increase activity for local businesses.
• Introduce new retail and community facilities.
• Improve pedestrian routes and public spaces.

Planning officers concluded that these public benefits outweigh the identified heritage impacts.

What changes will be made to the former Morrisons site?

The redevelopment will completely transform the former supermarket site.

Plans include:

• Residential apartment buildings.
• Ground-floor commercial and retail units.
• Community space.
• New landscaping.
• Public seating areas.
• Additional planting.
• Improved pedestrian routes linking surrounding streets.
• Enhanced public spaces designed to encourage movement through the town centre.

The development is intended to create a more active town centre environment while strengthening links between London Road and nearby public spaces.

Why is Mitcham Cricket Green considered a sensitive planning location?

Mitcham Cricket Green is one of Merton’s designated conservation areas and has long been recognised for its historic and architectural importance.

Planning policies seek to preserve:

• Historic character.
• Open green spaces.
• Important public views.
• Traditional building scale.
• Relationship between buildings and surrounding landscape.

Because the Majestic Way site lies adjacent to this protected area, any large-scale redevelopment has attracted considerable public scrutiny.

How does the approval fit within Merton’s wider planning strategy?

Merton’s adopted Local Plan aims to increase housing supply while supporting regeneration across town centres.

The council believes Majestic Way demonstrates how larger developments can contribute to housing targets while incorporating design measures intended to reduce visual impact.

However, opponents argue the approval weakens conservation policies and could make it easier for similar high-rise developments to be approved elsewhere in Mitcham.

How have local community groups responded to the planning process?

MCGCH and other local organisations have actively participated throughout Merton’s planning process.

Their broader concerns include:

• Protection of heritage assets.
• Stronger limits on building height.
• Better consultation with residents.
• Greater transparency during planning decisions.
• Site-specific planning guidance.
• Improved protection for conservation areas.

Campaigners fear the Majestic Way approval could influence future planning decisions involving other sensitive sites across the borough.

Background to the Majestic Way redevelopment

The former Morrisons supermarket occupies a prominent site within Mitcham town centre close to Mitcham Cricket Green.

For several years, redevelopment proposals have sought to transform the largely unused site into a mixed-use residential development. The approval reflects the continuing challenge faced by London boroughs in balancing affordable housing delivery with heritage protection.

While supporters see the scheme as an important investment in Mitcham’s future, critics believe its scale fundamentally changes the character of the town centre and the setting of the nearby conservation area.

Explore More Merton Council News

Merton Council Faulted Over Delayed Carer Assessment: South London 2026

Merton Council Faulted by Ombudsman Over Delayed Carer Assessment in London 2026

Prediction: What could the redevelopment mean for Mitcham?

Once completed, the Majestic Way development is expected to increase Mitcham’s residential population, bringing more customers to local businesses and increasing demand for public services, transport, healthcare and schools.

Residents in need of affordable housing may benefit from the additional homes, while the improved public spaces and retail facilities could contribute to wider town centre regeneration.

However, the introduction of buildings up to 11 storeys is also likely to permanently change Mitcham’s skyline and influence future planning decisions regarding height and density in areas close to conservation sites. The project is therefore expected to remain a significant reference point in future debates over housing growth, regeneration and heritage protection within Merton.