A department store that had been in operation for 70 years is set to transform into a hotel, despite opposition from 400 residents who signed a petition against the development.

Morleys in Tooting shut down in April, with its independent owners stating that the financial requirements for upkeep and modernization were not justifiable.

The property will now be redeveloped into a hotel by Criterion Capital, a real estate company that owns several high-value properties in London.

Wandsworth Council has greenlit the plan, viewing it as a means to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, even though residents have expressed worries that it may be used for temporary lodging rather than benefiting the local populace.

According to the proposals, a portion of the ground floor will remain dedicated to retail.

During the planning meeting, Labour councillor Sean Lawless pointed out that residents’ concerns were influenced by a previous incident in Tooting, where a site initially intended for hotel use ended up being converted into temporary accommodations due to a lack of demand.

He emphasized that residents needed solid guarantees that the Morleys site would adhere to its initial hotel proposal, as there was apprehension about how planning approval could be granted without clear evidence of local demand for such a facility.

Labour councillor Matthew Tiller also remarked, “This seems like a missed chance to create new housing instead of yet another hotel. If possible, we should aim to steer this in another direction.”

Planning officer Nigel Granger reassured council members that the building couldn’t be redirected to another purpose without a new application and significant structural modifications.

He noted that independent evaluations indicated it would be unfeasible to offer permanent housing on the site.

Planning documents stated: “By revitalizing an existing structure that would otherwise be challenging to repurpose, the initiative presents both environmental and economic advantages.”

The documents further stated: “The project will lead to job creation, contributing both socially and economically to the local community. This aligns with broader objectives of enhancing local employment and promoting economic development in the region.”

The proposal was approved with six councillors voting in favor and two against it.