South London Sutton: Car Wash Offices to High-Quality Studio Flats

Key Points

• Offices above Kingsmill Car Wash and Valeting on Mansfield Road in Sutton could be converted into two “high-quality” studio apartments, as per a new planning application.
• The proposal involves a change of use for the upper-floor offices, with internal alterations to create the flats.
• The car wash business, under Mansfield Hand Car Wash, will continue operating below the proposed apartments.
• Agent Adeeb Anwar of LivArch Ltd, based in Ilford, Essex, submitted the planning statement to the local council.
• The offices have served as such for over ten years but are now underutilised.
• This is one of two similar schemes in Sutton: the other proposes converting offices on Outram Street back into terraced houses.
• LivArch describes the proposed studios as “high-quality” residential units.

Sutton (South London News) February 3, 2026 – Offices situated above a car wash on a prominent road in Sutton face potential conversion into two “high-quality” studio apartments, following the submission of a planning application to the local council. The proposal, put forward for the Kingsmill Car Wash and Valeting on Mansfield Road, seeks approval for a change of use of the upper-floor offices alongside internal alterations to form the residential units. This development forms part of broader efforts in the town to repurpose underused commercial spaces into housing.

What is the proposed development at Kingsmill Car Wash?

The planning application targets the upper floors above the Kingsmill Car Wash and Valeting business, operated under the banner of Mansfield Hand Car Wash on Mansfield Road. According to details in the application, these spaces would be transformed into two studio flats. As outlined by the applicant’s agent, the proposal includes necessary internal alterations to make the units habitable as residential properties.

Adeeb Anwar, of the architectural and design consultants LivArch Ltd based in Ilford, Essex, has submitted a comprehensive planning statement to the council detailing the scheme. LivArch Ltd notes that the floor in question has functioned as offices for more than ten years. However, the firm states that the space is “no longer particularly well used,” justifying the shift to residential use.

The car wash operation itself would remain unaffected, continuing to serve customers on the ground level. This separation ensures the commercial viability of the business while introducing housing above.

Who is behind the planning application?

The application is spearheaded by Adeeb Anwar, acting as agent for the applicant through LivArch Ltd. This Ilford-based firm specialises in architectural and design consultancy services. LivArch’s planning statement emphasises the quality of the proposed studios, describing them as “high-quality” to align with local housing standards.

LivArch Ltd’s involvement underscores a professional approach to the conversion, with the firm’s expertise aimed at ensuring compliance with planning regulations. The company’s base in Essex positions it as an external consultant supporting local development in Sutton.

Why convert offices to studio apartments now?

Proponents argue that the offices’ long-term underutilisation makes them ripe for repurposing. According to LivArch Ltd’s planning statement, the space has been offices for over a decade but lacks current demand. This shift could address housing needs in Sutton by bringing empty commercial space back into productive use.

The proposal aligns with wider trends in urban areas where upper floors above shops or services often sit vacant. Converting such spaces into flats helps revitalise high streets without encroaching on greenfield sites.

What is the second scheme in Sutton?

Alongside the Mansfield Road proposal, another planning application in Sutton targets offices on Outram Street. This scheme aims to revert a block to its original purpose as terraced houses. It represents a parallel effort to transform commercial properties into residential dwellings in the town.

Both applications highlight a local push to increase housing stock through adaptive reuse. The Outram Street plan seeks to restore the building’s historical function, potentially preserving architectural features while meeting modern standards.

How does the car wash business fit into the plans?

Kingsmill Car Wash and Valeting, part of Mansfield Hand Car Wash, occupies the ground level on Mansfield Road. The planning application explicitly preserves this commercial activity, with the conversion limited to the upper offices. Customers can continue using the valeting services uninterrupted.

This mixed-use model maintains economic activity on the high street. The ground-floor business supports local employment and services, complementing the residential units above.

What details are in LivArch’s planning statement?

LivArch Ltd’s submission provides the core rationale for the application. The firm details the proposed internal alterations required to create two functional studio flats. It confirms the offices’ history, noting over ten years of use in that capacity.

The statement positions the studios as “high-quality,” suggesting modern fittings and layouts suitable for independent living. As reported in the initial coverage by Chad News, these elements aim to meet council expectations for residential conversions.

Where exactly is Mansfield Road in Sutton?

Mansfield Road serves as a main road in Sutton, hosting everyday commercial activities like the car wash. Its location ensures accessibility for residents, with proximity to shops, transport links, and amenities. The site’s urban setting makes it ideal for studio apartments targeting single occupants or couples.

Sutton’s town centre context places Mansfield Road within a bustling area. This positioning supports the viability of both the car wash below and the housing above.

What happens next in the planning process?

The application now awaits review by the local council’s planning department. Officers will assess factors such as design, impact on neighbours, parking, and compliance with policies. Public consultation may follow, allowing residents to comment.

Approval would enable works to commence, potentially delivering the studios within months. Rejection or conditions could prompt revisions from Adeeb Anwar and LivArch Ltd.

Who first reported this story?

Initial coverage appeared in Chad News, a local outlet serving Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas, including Sutton. The article detailed the application for Kingsmill Car Wash, highlighting the two studio flats and the agent’s input. Chad News attributed specifics to LivArch Ltd’s planning statement.

This reporting brought attention to the dual schemes in Sutton, framing them as responses to underused office spaces. As a community-focused publication, Chad News often covers local planning matters affecting residents.

Are there any quoted statements from involved parties?

LivArch Ltd’s planning statement, as referenced in Chad News, describes the offices as serving that purpose for more than ten years but being “no longer particularly well used.” This key phrase underscores the justification for change.

No direct quotes from Adeeb Anwar or the car wash owners appear in available reports. The council has yet to issue public statements on the application.

How does this fit into Sutton’s housing strategy?

Sutton, like many towns, grapples with demand for affordable housing. Studio apartments offer compact, efficient units suitable for young professionals or downsizers. Repurposing offices avoids demolishing structures, promoting sustainability.

The dual proposals— Mansfield Road and Outram Street—signal proactive land use. They could set precedents for similar conversions elsewhere in the borough.

What challenges might the application face?

Potential hurdles include noise from the car wash affecting future residents. Planning officers may require soundproofing measures as conditions. Parking provision, often contentious in urban conversions, could also arise.

Neighbours might object over privacy or traffic. LivArch’s “high-quality” claim must be substantiated through designs demonstrating liveability.

Why focus on studio apartments specifically?

Studios suit the floorplate’s size, maximising space efficiency. They demand less alteration than larger units, reducing costs and disruption. As per the application, two units optimise the available area above the car wash.

This format aligns with market needs for starter homes in Sutton. It caters to those unable to afford bigger properties amid rising prices.

Could this impact local employment?

The car wash’s continuation safeguards jobs at Kingsmill Car Wash and Valeting. No redundancies are implied. Introducing residents might even boost passing trade for nearby businesses.

Mansfield Hand Car Wash’s oversight ensures operational stability. The mixed-use outcome supports the high street economy.

What is LivArch Ltd’s background?

LivArch Ltd operates from Ilford, Essex, offering architectural and design services. Adeeb Anwar represents the firm in this Sutton project. Their expertise spans planning statements for various conversions.

The company’s website, livarch.co.uk, showcases portfolios, though specifics on prior Sutton works remain unreported. Engagement here extends their reach beyond Essex.

How does Outram Street proposal differ?

Unlike Mansfield Road’s new-build studios, Outram Street seeks restoration to terraced houses—its original form. This historical reversion contrasts with the office-to-flat change, yet shares the residential goal.

Both underscore Sutton’s adaptive reuse trend. Details on Outram Street’s agent or timeline are limited in current coverage.

Is this part of a larger trend?

Converting upper floors above shops into flats occurs nationwide. It tackles vacancy rates while easing housing shortages. Sutton’s schemes exemplify this, balancing commerce and homes.

Government policies encourage such brownfield developments. Councils prioritise them over greenbelt expansion.