Merton approves 249-home Majestic Way scheme in Mitcham town centre
Council backs 100% affordable housing development with 11-storey buildings despite local objections
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Merton Council has approved plans for a 249-home social housing development in Mitcham town centre, marking the area’s tallest buildings to date. The Majestic Way scheme, backed by housing association Clarion, will deliver 100% affordable homes in buildings rising to 11 storeys. The development will also include retail and community space on the site of the former Morrisons supermarket.
Why the scheme was approved
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The council’s Development and Planning Applications Committee approved the plans on 30 July 2026, two years after Clarion first submitted them. The scheme had initially received a red warning from Merton’s Design Review Panel in 2025 over concerns about overdevelopment and a design that did not reflect Mitcham’s character. Following revisions, the panel praised improvements to community provision and biodiversity net gain in 2026.
Clarion’s Director of Major Projects, Brian Ham, told the committee the design now responds to Mitcham’s identity. The 249 homes will range from one to four bedrooms, with 110 units reserved for residents being rehoused from the ageing Eastfields Estate. Councillor Nedra Daniels said the scheme addressed the borough’s dire housing need, where over 10,000 households are on the social housing waiting list.
What the development includes
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The Majestic Way scheme will provide 1,308 square metres of commercial space and 423 square metres of community space. Clarion aims to attract independent retailers rather than chains, though it refused calls for discounted rents, arguing it would disadvantage other traders in the town centre. The development will extend the existing Majestic Way shopping street, which has seen vacancies since Morrisons closed in March 2023.
The scheme adopts a car-lite approach, offering 25 parking spaces, including seven disabled bays and two car club spaces, all with electric vehicle charging points. Over 300 cycle spaces will be provided, alongside highway improvements such as a new roundabout at St Mark’s Road and widened pedestrian areas. The development aims to cut carbon emissions by 71% through measures including air source heat pumps, solar panels and energy-efficient ventilation.
Local objections and concerns
Critics argue the scheme conflicts with Merton’s Local Plan, which sets a six-storey limit for developments in the area. Tony Burton, Secretary of Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage, said the approval marked a sad day for Mitcham and the borough. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the development would dominate the town centre and overshadow neighbouring sites, including the upcoming Mitcham Gasworks scheme.
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
Burton cited concerns about overheating, overshadowing at St Mark’s Primary School and the impact of vacant shops following Morrisons’ closure. Councillor Edward Foley warned the 25 parking spaces were insufficient for social housing residents who may rely on vehicles for work, potentially increasing pressure on town centre parking. Planning officers, however, stated the plans would result in less than substantial harm to nearby heritage assets, including the Mitcham Clock Tower.
What happens next
Demolition of the current Majestic Way site is scheduled for February 2027. Clarion will provide £60,000 to support town centre projects during construction. The development is expected to complete by 2029. The £1,358,982.98 section 106 contribution will fund local transport and health improvements, as well as an upgrade to Armfield Crescent Play Area.
Questions this report answers
+How many homes will the Majestic Way scheme provide?
The development will deliver 249 homes, all of which will be affordable. Of these, 110 units are prioritised for residents being rehoused from the Eastfields Estate. The homes will range from one to four bedrooms.
+What will the section 106 money be used for?
Clarion will provide £1,358,982.98 to Merton Council under a section 106 agreement. The funds are earmarked for local transport and health improvements, as well as an upgrade to Armfield Crescent Play Area in Mitcham.
+When will demolition of the current site begin?
Demolition of the Majestic Way site is expected to start in February 2027. The development is targeted for completion by 2029, following construction.
+Why did critics oppose the Majestic Way scheme?
Critics, including local civic groups, argued the scheme conflicts with Merton’s Local Plan, which sets a six-storey limit for developments. Concerns were raised about the 11-storey buildings overshadowing the town centre and the impact on heritage assets.
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