More affordable homes for Sutton Town Centre

Sutton Council's Planning Committee has approved plans by St George to increase the number of homes at Chalk Gardens, the former B&Q site, from 970 to 1,014. The plans, which were approved by Councillors in January, now have approval from the Greater London Authority. 

Chalk Gardens will transform one of Sutton’s most important town centre sites into a thriving new neighbourhood. Almost two thirds (63%) of the development will be dedicated to open space and will be centred around a new public park, providing a 171% biodiversity net gain. 

New routes throughout the site will connect Sutton’s numerous town centre areas as well as improve Sutton Court Road, Langley Park Road, Carshalton Road, and Chalk Pit Way, making it a greener and better place to live and work. 

Planning permission for Chalk Gardens was granted originally in December 2023. Work has already started on site, first with the demolition of the former car park and then the vacant store. 

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.”

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 in 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.”

Located south of central London, Sutton boasts excellent transport links, offering easy access to not only the heart of the capital but also popular spots like Wimbledon, Croydon, and Kingston. Sutton also consistently ranks among London's boroughs with the lowest crime rates.

For further information on Chalk Gardens, please visit the website.