The Colliers Wood Residents Association (CWRA) is monitoring a major planning application submitted by Criterion Capital for redevelopment in Colliers Wood, adjacent to Britannia Point, the 19-story, glass-clad tower outside Colliers Wood underground station. The proposals involve the construction of three new towers and associated accommodation.
This article provides background on the applicant, outlines the history of the site, summarises recent reporting and resident concerns, and explains how residents can take part in the planning process.
Background: Criterion Capital and Its Track Record
Criterion Capital is a privately owned property investment company founded and led by Asif Aziz. The company owns a large portfolio of commercial and residential property, particularly in central London.
Well-known buildings owned by Criterion include parts of Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and several prominent West End sites. Over the years, Criterion has attracted both investment and controversy, including criticism relating to property management standards, building maintenance, and its approach to tenants.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Criterion received public attention for continuing to pursue rent from some commercial tenants despite widespread closures.
More recently, reporting has highlighted concerns about the company’s approach to residential lettings and its growing involvement in temporary accommodation.
It is this company that is now seeking permission to construct three new towers in Colliers Wood.
Background: Britannia Point and Site History
Britannia Point has been owned by Criterion Capital for many years. The building was redeveloped and reclad in the mid-2010s as part of a wider refurbishment.
For a number of years prior to redevelopment the building experienced ongoing maintenance and safety issues. Following instruction from Merton Council the building was covered with protective netting due to falling debris and concerns about external materials.
Merton Council became involved on several occasions to ensure public safety around the site.
Recent Reporting and Local Context
Eviction Notices and Private Tenancies (February 2026)
Recent reporting by London Centric states in February 2026 that tenants at Criterion-owned buildings, including Britannia Point, have received eviction notices.
When London Centric contacted Criterion’s lettings department, an agent reportedly confirmed that the company is “phasing out” private tenancies and moving towards operating primarily as a temporary accommodation provider.
Many residents are reported to have received relatively short notice to leave their homes.
(Source: londoncentric.media)
Falling Glass Incident (June 2022)
On 27 June 2022, a large pane of glass fell from the upper 22nd floor of Britannia Point and smashed on the pavement below.
The incident occurred in a busy area of Colliers Wood High Street, meters from shops, public transport and Singlegate Primary school. It is widely recognised that it was extremely fortunate that nobody was injured.
Merton Council responded by carrying out emergency inspections, installing protective scaffolding, and commissioning further safety checks, including abseil inspections.
Local reporting later stated that the council incurred costs of around £3 million in making the building safe and continues several years later to recover this debt.
(Sources: Merton Council, BBC, ITV News, Evening Standard)
This history forms an important part of residents’ concerns about future development.
What Is Being Proposed
Criterion Capital has submitted a planning application for redevelopment in Colliers Wood, which includes:
- A 16-storey apart-hotel
- A 14-storey co-living block
- Additional residential accommodation
Together, these form a three-tower scheme replacing earlier refused proposals in 2021.
Summary of Key Issues Raised by Residents
During Colliers Wood Residents Association Meeting on 15 February 2026, a range of concerns about the proposals were raised:
Building Scale and Design
- Increased footprint compared with previous plans
- Limited stepping-back
- Significant visual impact
- Very limited space between buildings
Housing and Community Impact
- Co-living and apart-hotel uses likely to result in high resident turnover
- Fewer long-term residents
- No confirmed commitment to 40% affordable housing
Construction Impact
- Multi-year construction programme
- Noise, dust, deliveries and traffic
- Impact on surrounding streets, shops and homes
Transport and Parking
- Likely car-free designation
- New residents ineligible for parking permits
Environmental and Amenity Issues
- Daylight and wind impacts
- Flood risk mitigation
- Need for enforceable environmental commitments
Financial Viability and Community Contributions Recommendations
Residents felt that, if permission is granted, Merton Council should secure legal community and Financial Viability Assessment agreements in advance which determines factors such as:
- Section 106 obligations
- Affordable housing
- Local infrastructure improvements
- Community facilities
- Environmental measures
- Flood mitigation
Residents would also be encouraged to monitor scheme changes during construction and discussed that complex mixed-use schemes can reduce transparency and potentially limit community benefits.
Questions Raised at the Meeting
Petitions or letters?
Submissions from individual households carry more weight then group submissions or petitions.
What objections matter most?
Construction impacts, traffic, servicing and disturbance.
Can loss of light be raised?
Yes, particularly between closely spaced buildings.
Can healthcare provision be raised?
Yes, where infrastructure pressure can be demonstrated.
Can assurances be given about hotel use?
No firm assurances were available.
Why hasn’t money been recovered?
Legal action is ongoing; offshore company structures were cited as a complication.
Upcoming Coffee Morning — 28 February 2026 at 10:30
with Siobhain McDonagh local MP
Location: MertonVision, 67 Clarendon Rd, London SW19 2DX
Local councillors urge anyone who wants to stand against the application for Criterion to build 3 new towers to attend Siobhan’s coffee morning on the 28th February at MertonVision at 10:30. The 1st hour will be to discuss the tower proposals and from 11:30 the eviction notices.
How Residents Can Comment and Stay Involved
Residents may submit comments until a Decision Notice is issued. Petitions count as one representation. Individual submissions are counted separately.
To stay informed about this application and other local matters, residents are encouraged to subscribe to the CWRA newsletter for regular updates.
Contacts for Further Enquiries (as Shared Locally)
- Stuart Neaverson — Stuart.Neaverson@merton.gov.uk
- Caroline Cooper-Marbiah — Caroline.Cooper-Marbiah@merton.gov.uk
- Joanna Sieradzinska — joannasieradzinska@gmail.com
Sources
- London Centric — eviction notices and tenancy policy
- Merton Council newsroom — safety works at Britannia Point
- ITV News / Evening Standard — falling glass incident
