Residents give overwhelming ‘yes’ vote for planned estate improvements

Residents on the Elm Grove estate in Sutton town centre have given a huge thumbs-up to plans to redevelop their estate.

78.6% of residents who took part voted ‘yes’ for the redevelopment of Elm Grove Estate, with 21.4% voting against. The participation rate was 82% and the ballot took place over three weeks from 7 February to 3 March.

Elm Grove estate, located between Throwley Way and Sutton High Street, currently has 73 homes. It was built in the 1970s and residents have had long-standing issues with anti-social behaviour and fly tipping, the lack of lifts and green space, as well as overcrowding.

The new plans include:

• larger homes with modern kitchens and bathrooms. All homes will have either a private garden, terrace or balcony

• more accessible and adaptable homes to meet residents’ changing housing needs

• attractive streets with improved lighting

• well-designed outdoor spaces to play and relax, accessible to residents only

• more trees and planting

• safe communal areas, including secure entrances, stairwells and landings

Work is expected to start in 2024 and the first phase of the new homes will be completed in 2026. All existing eligible residents choosing to stay on the estate will be offered a new home.

The green light from residents for redevelopment of the Elm Grove estate follows the recent Planning Committee decision to build 92 new council homes at Beech Tree Place in Sutton town centre. Both schemes will contribute to the Council’s ambitious plans to become a net zero carbon borough.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Council’s Housing, Economy & Business Committee, said:

“I am delighted residents at Elm Grove have voted overwhelmingly to back the plans to redevelop their area. This means that together we can deliver a new neighbourhood which is safer, more secure and a better place to live.

“We have been consulting residents for over four years about the kind of homes they want. This partnership has shaped the plans to build new homes connected to the surrounding area by streets that are well-lit and safe with good visibility and no hidden corners. 

“Our plan is to make the new Elm Grove a place where residents are proud to live, making the most of its convenient location at the heart of a revitalised Sutton town centre with great public transport links.”