Neighbourhood Association receives council approval for Sutton Farm Estate Area of Special Local Character

The South Sutton Neighbourhood Association, with the support of Sutton Council planning officers, successfully applied for the Sutton Farm Estate to be designated as an Area of Special Local Character (ASLC) at the Housing, Economy and Business Committee meeting last week (8 October).

This is a new ASLC and is named after the farm owned by John Overton with Grade II listed Sutton Lodge the original farmhouse. 

The designation will ensure that certain elements in relation to the look and character of the area are preserved. The South Sutton Neighbourhood Association produced a ‘Character Appraisal’ document which outlines an area’s special architectural or historical interest which will be used in the approval process of forthcoming planning applications within the area. This highlights that future development will be in keeping with the character of the Sutton Farm Estate, protecting its rich heritage and complementing existing areas of special local character in Sutton.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, said:

“It’s fantastic to see local residents working together to celebrate and protect Sutton’s rich heritage. The collaborative actions of the South Sutton Neighbourhood Association demonstrate how we are a borough in which all can take part and take pride.”

Mark Randall, Vice-Chair of the South Sutton Neighbourhood Association said: 

“A huge amount of hard work has gone in to delivering this successful result.

“We consulted extensively with members of the community and with the support of the Council, we were able to tell the story of Sutton Farm Estate, a very special area with a rich history.

“We are delighted that the Estate’s legacy and character will be protected for years to come and hope our efforts can be a blueprint for how other community groups can protect their areas”. 

The committee also considered reports covering:

-The establishment of a Task and Finish Group to evaluate the upcoming Homelessness Review

-A petition from Wandle Valley Forum highlighting widespread support for Viridor to carry out restoration of Beddington Farmlands as soon as possible

-Approval of plans to protect heritage in Carshalton Village

-Plans to extend and protect the Sutton Town Centre Conservation Area

-A planning consultation on waste policies and waste sites across the partner boroughs

-A consultation on how to bring forward as many affordable homes as possible from private sites in Sutton 

The meeting reports are available on the council website. Council committee meetings are open to members of the public. Find out more about attending a committee meeting and other ways to have your say in council decision-making.