Merton approves 249-home Majestic Way scheme in Mitcham town centre

Merton Council has approved plans for a 249-home social housing development in Mitcham town centre, which will include the area’s tallest buildings. The Majestic Way scheme, led by housing association Clarion, was granted permission at a Development and Planning Applications Committee meeting on 30 July 2026. The development will replace the former Morrisons site and deliver 100% affordable housing across six and 11-storey blocks.

The approval follows two years of revisions after the council’s Design Review Panel initially issued a red warning in 2025. The panel later praised improvements to the design, community provision and biodiversity net gain in a 2026 review. Clarion’s Director of Major Projects, Brian Ham, told the committee the scheme now responds to Mitcham’s character and identity, as reported by MyLondon.

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Housing and community benefits

The development will provide 249 homes, ranging from one to four bedrooms. Of these, 110 units will be prioritised for residents being rehoused from Clarion’s Eastfields Estate. The scheme also includes 1,308 square metres of commercial space and 423 square metres of community space, extending the existing Majestic Way shopping street.

Clarion has committed to attracting independent retailers to the site, with Ham stating a preference for an independent coffee shop over chains like Costa. The developer also suggested the inclusion of a banking hub. However, Ham rejected calls for discounted rents for retail units, arguing it would be unfair to existing traders in the town centre, as reported by MyLondon.

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Environmental and transport plans

The scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions by 71% through measures such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and energy-efficient ventilation. The development will also plant 68 new trees to replace those removed from the site. Transport provisions include a car-lite approach, with 25 parking spaces, including seven disabled bays and two car club spaces, all equipped with electric vehicle charging points.

Highway improvements will include a new roundabout at St Mark’s Road, a relocated bus stand, widened pedestrian areas and enhancements to Majestic Way. The development will also provide over 300 cycle spaces and facilities for cycle hire.

Criticism and objections

The scheme has faced opposition from local groups, including Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage and the Mitcham Society. Tony Burton, Secretary of MCGCH, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the approval marked a sad day for Mitcham and the wider borough. He argued the development conflicts with Merton’s Local Plan, which sets a six-storey limit for the area, and criticised the design, community space and potential overshadowing of St Mark’s Primary School.

“This is a deeply disappointing and wrong-headed decision by Merton Council. It is a sad day not only for Mitcham but for the whole of the borough.”

Tony Burton, Secretary of Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage

Councillor Edward Foley raised concerns about the 25 parking spaces, warning that social housing residents may rely on vehicles for work. He suggested this could increase pressure on town centre parking and noted discussions about introducing controlled parking zones in the area. Foley also questioned the lack of a meanwhile use for the site, which has been vacant since traders were moved out earlier this year.

Planning officers acknowledged the development would cause less than substantial harm to nearby heritage assets, including the Mitcham Clock Tower. However, Burton argued the impact on these assets had not been fully considered and that the scheme would dominate the town centre, overshadowing even the forthcoming Mitcham Gasworks development.

What happens next

Demolition of the current Majestic Way site is scheduled to begin in February 2027. Clarion has stated the development is expected to be completed by 2029. The council will use the £1,358,982.98 section 106 payment for local transport and health improvements, as well as upgrades to the Armfield Crescent Play Area. Clarion will also provide £60,000 to support town centre projects during construction.