The property at 113 Gassiot Road in Tooting Bec was found to be advertised on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, with individual bedrooms offered to paying guests. Council investigators gathered evidence showing the home had been used for short stays for over 90 nights between January and August 2026, exceeding the legal allowance for short-term letting in London.
The unauthorised use of the property has resulted in the loss of a family-sized home and has led to increased activity, noise, disturbance, and pressure on waste arrangements. Cllr Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council, stated, "People can't just change the use of residential homes without permission, so we're sending a strong message that breaches of planning rules will be taken seriously."
Cllr Morritt added, "At a time when family-sized homes are so important in Wandsworth, we will take action when we find properties are being used in this way, and we'll stand up for residents when unauthorised intensified use is affecting neighbours."
Wandsworth’s Local Plan aims to protect the borough’s existing housing stock and opposes the conversion of residential accommodation to short-term holiday lets. Council officers first visited the property in March following concerns, and after the 90-night threshold was exceeded, the owner and tenant were asked in July to cease the unauthorised use within 14 days. The committee report indicated no response was received and the use continued.
Following the Planning Committee's unanimous decision on October 22 to take enforcement action, the council is now authorised to issue an enforcement notice. This notice will require the cessation of the unauthorised short-term accommodation use and the return of the property to its lawful residential use. The council will pursue any necessary direct or legal action if the enforcement notice is not complied with.
Residents who have concerns about suspected breaches of planning control can report them to the council. Wandsworth’s planning enforcement team investigates reported breaches, including development without planning permission and material changes in land use.
