However, the Chalk Gardens development continues to attract concern from residents who are worried about the influx of people it will bring.
Backed by both the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Sutton Council’s Planning Committee, the revised Chalk Gardens scheme will now deliver 1,014 homes – up from 970 – with affordable housing increasing from 337 to 353 units.
The update builds on the original planning consent granted in December 2023.
Sutton Council says the project meets council targets by offering 35 per cent affordable housing, with 60 per cent of those being London Affordable Rent – for lower income households with rents capped by the GLA – and 40 per cent being shared ownership.
However, critics argue that the scheme goes far beyond the height and density levels set out in Sutton’s Local Plan, with eight tower blocks rising up to 21 storeys.
They have also warned of increased pressure on already stretched local services, including GP surgeries, schools, and parking.
Despite this, Sutton Council and developer St George believe most residents will make use of nearby public transport hubs and the more than 1,700 cycling spaces being provided.
Planning officers have also defended the scheme, highlighting four rounds of scrutiny by Design South East’s independent review panel.
The panel supported the project’s evolving design and raised no objection to its height, provided that high standards for public space and sustainability are maintained.
Urgent need for housing
Originally earmarked for retail, the site was shifted to a housing-led plan due to spiralling development costs.
Developers say the revised proposal better reflects current economic realities and the urgent need for housing.
Sutton Council Leader Barry Lewis stressed the need for new homes in an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) earlier this month.
He said: “If you are under a certain age, you will know there is a big need for housing. And if you are older, you will know we are building because your children need somewhere to live.”
Demolition of the vacant retail store and car park is already under way, with hoardings now in place around the site.
The plans will dedicate nearly two-thirds of the land to open space, including a central public park, as developer St George targets a 171 per cent net gain in biodiversity.
New routes through the site are also planned, improving pedestrian connectivity between Sutton’s town centre areas and enhancing access along Sutton Court Road, Langley Park Road, Carshalton Road, and Chalk Pit Way.
What are local people getting out of it?
The council says the scheme will deliver around £10 million in local infrastructure funding via the Community Infrastructure Levy (a contribution paid by developers to offset the impact of construction).
Contributions include funding for a parking zone consultation, new pedestrian crossings, bus priority schemes, and £100,000 towards upgrades at Manor Park.
Job opportunities, apprenticeships, and work placements will also be offered during construction.
The B&Q superstore the development is replacing closed to the public on June 8, 2024.
Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of Sutton Council’s Planning Committee, said: “Chalk Gardens is a key part of the council’s plans to build a sustainable and vibrant town centre with more homes in the area and ensure more footfall on the high street.
“I am delighted that these new plans mean more affordable and council rent homes for people in desperate need of housing and show the council’s commitment to building quality and affordable homes for our residents. The Chalk Gardens development will play a significant part in the council delivering its target of 500 new council homes in five years.
“By building more homes in Sutton town centre, where the public transport connections are good, we also avoid the need to build in other parts of the borough and protect the special character of our district centres that our residents appreciate so much.
“The development will also deliver significant additional improvements for residents and the local area, including open spaces and the option for health services at this important site in Sutton town centre. It will be a really exciting new addition to the town centre for all residents to enjoy.”
Marcus Blake, Regional Managing Director at St George, commented: “Chalk Gardens will create a high-quality neighbourhood which integrates sustainable residential development and lasting benefits for the area, including significant open space and landscaped public realm which reconnects the site with the nearby town centre.
“The revised and improved planning consent also enables us to deliver over 1,000 new homes, including much-needed new affordable housing for the local community.”
