Image of the Heritage Building

Planning Policy

The Strategic Planning service is responsible for preparing the Council's planning policies and proposals to guide the future development of the Borough.

Local Development Framework
The Council's policies used in determining planning applications within the Borough are prepared by the Strategic Planning team in consultation with the local community. When adopted, Sutton's Local Development Framework (LDF), consisting of a range of Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), will eventually replace the existing Sutton Unitary Development Plan (UDP) adopted in 2003.

The Core Planning Strategy DPD, which sets out the Council's Vision, spatial strategy and policies for the future development of the Borough over the next 10-15 years, is the main document within Sutton's LDF. Public Examination into the Core Planning Strategy is now underway following Submission to the Secretary of State on 6 March 2009.

Heritage Designations
The London Borough of Sutton has a rich quality of heritage areas and buildings, which the Council seeks to protect and enhance through various types of heritage designation. The following areas and buildings are designated in line with Government regulations and English Heritage advice. The Council is currently conducting a review of Conservation Areas. 
14 Conservation Areas
17 Areas of Special Local Character
173 Statutorily Listed Buildings
36 locally listed Buildings
5 Historic Parks and Gardens
6 Scheduled Ancient Monuments
21 Archaeological Priority Areas

Wandle Valley Regional Park
The proposed Wandle Valley Regional Park, which would extend from the upper River Wandle in Croydon, through Sutton, Merton and Wandsworth, would provide over 3,000 hectares of connected green space and built areas along the length of the River Wandle. Its creation forms a key part of the Mayor's London Plan, a central theme of which is the creation of 'joined-up' green spaces in the capital.

The development phase for the Wandle Valley Regional Park is being co-ordinated through a partnership between the environmental  Groundwork London, the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Wandle Forum, the South London Partnership and the London Boroughs of Sutton, Croydon, Merton and Wandsworth.

During 2008, residents, community groups and local businesses were invited to comment on the initial plans and a new website was launched by Groundwork London to enable consultees to comment via an interactive map at www.wandlevalleypark.org.uk 

A Vision for the proposed Wandle Valley Regional Park has now been published.

For further details contact: Angela Gorman, Development Manager at Groundwork London on 020 86874065 or at angela.gorman@groundwork.org.uk.

Planning - local plans

Find out about Sutton's local plans here.

Planning - natural heritage areas

Conservation

From areas of natural beauty to listed buildings, this section contains information about conservation projects in Sutton.