Merton
Planning & Building Contacts

Around 25 conservation areas include Wimbledon Village, Wimbledon Common, Mitcham Cricket Green and Colliers Wood. Morden Hall Park (National Trust, Grade II* registered park) is the most significant designed landscape in the borough. The River Wandle and its industrial heritage (mills, calico printing works) form an important green and heritage corridor. The Wimbledon town centre area has specific regeneration ambitions. The borough borders the Green Belt at Mitcham Common.

Building regulations approval is required for most structural work, extensions, loft conversions, new windows and heating system changes. You may use either the council's own building control service or a private Approved Inspector. For listed buildings, building control must be coordinated with Listed Building Consent requirements.

Morden Hall Park (Grade II* registered park and garden, National Trust) is the principal heritage landscape - a former snuff mill estate with surviving industrial archaeology. William Morris lived at Merton Abbey Works, where his Arts and Crafts workshops were located beside the Wandle. The Wandle valley's industrial heritage is exceptional. Nelson's Column was produced at Merton. Around 25 conservation areas protect historic village centres and Victorian suburban streets. Listed Building Consent is required in addition to planning permission for any works to a listed building that would affect its special architectural or historic interest, including internal works.

Flood risk from the River Wandle affects areas through Merton, Mitcham and Colliers Wood. Properties near the Wandle between Wimbledon and Mitcham should check flood zone designation. Surface water flooding is a risk across the borough. The borough is Lead Local Flood Authority for ordinary watercourses.