In December it was announced that Merton Council’s plans to expand Dundonald School onto the Rec were delayed whilst the Mayor of London’s office decided made a decision on how far the plans contravened London planning rules (see the Wimbledon Guardian story here).

Today, the Dundonald Lib Dem Focus team has seen the formal response from the Mayor.The response states:

The Mayor considers that the application does not comply with [London-wide planning rules] . . . but the possible remedies set out in paragraph 41 of this report could address these deficiencies.

And paragraph 41 explains:

The principle of the application is acceptable, however the following changes are necessary to ensure full compliance with the London Plan:

• Community use of the school facilities including some public use of the MUGA [tennis courts/sports hall] during school hours should be ensured by condition.
• A drainage strategy . . . should be secured.
• The number of cycle spaces should be increased . . .

It’s noted that if Merton’s planning application committee, likely to consider the proposals in January, approves the plans it must consult the Mayor again, who has two weeks to decide if to intervene to overrule the Council.

See also: Focus team member Diana Coman’s views on the school places crisis in Merton on her blog here.