Let's get digging! Works start on latest new council homes

Works to build another 34 new council homes in the borough got underway today as diggers moved into 71-75 Westmead Road, Carshalton. All the new homes will be for social rent.

The former timber yard has been vacant since demolition works to clear the site. The Council agreed to purchase the land in September 2025 from its previous owners as part of its ambitious plans to build over 600 new council homes by 2028. The new scheme will also improve the appearance and use of this part of Carshalton.

Sutton residents on the housing register will be moving into high-quality, energy-efficient homes in a four-storey building in Westmead Road. There will be a mix of flats and maisonettes for wheelchair-users and larger families, including ten 3-bedroom properties, as well as car/cycle parking, private gardens, a landscaped courtyard and a children’s play area.

The new flats and maisonettes are intended to be built to Passivhaus standards. This will help residents reduce their energy use, carbon emissions and fuel bills. The block will also feature a ‘green roof’ to improve biodiversity.

As part of the new development, landscaping and street improvements along Westmead Road will reflect the character of the surrounding local area. The scheme will also support Sutton residents through investment and construction-related employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Sutton will have almost 600 new council homes either completed or under construction across the borough by 2028 - and is intending to bid for over 700 more, making a potential total of up to 1,300 new council homes. This is one of the highest numbers of new council homes planned in the whole of London as a share of current housing stock. 

Councillor Jake Short, Chair of Sutton’s Housing, Economy & Business Committee, said:
“It’s fantastic to see work start today in Carshalton on our latest 34 new council homes. These will all be for social rent and most of the homes will be for Sutton families.

“They will make a huge difference to our residents’ lives and will be a welcome addition to our ambitious plans to build more than 600 new council homes across the borough by 2028. 

“The Council has a great track record of delivering high-quality, affordable and energy-efficient housing in Sutton. For the first six months in 2025-26, Sutton has led the way, starting the most new council homes in London. 30% of all the new council homes started in that period in the capital were in Sutton. We are well ahead of our target to deliver 405 new council homes by 2028 and we hope to do even more in the next couple of years.

“These new homes in Westmead Road show how the Council will take a lead in making stalled schemes a reality. This formerly private site in Carshalton was given planning permission in July 2020, so it is good to see the diggers at work now that the Council is in the driving seat.”

Jeremy Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Bugler Developments, said:
“Bugler Developments is proud to announce its role in the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Westmead Road project which is being delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Sutton. 
 
“The event marks a significant milestone in bringing this development to life, following our successful collaboration on the Beech Tree Place scheme. As the appointed contractor, we will lead the construction of the project, which is set to deliver 34 much-needed, high-quality social rent homes to the borough.
 
“We are delighted to stand alongside our client, Councillor Short and the Council’s Director of Housing today as we break ground on a project that we hope will have a lasting impact on the community. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional quality, innovation and teamwork throughout every stage of construction at Westmead Road.” 
 
Construction will progress over the coming months, with completion targeted for Spring 2028.