Protecting Sutton’s rich heritage

“The Designation of the Sutton Farm Estate as an Area of Special Local Character had been an ambition of mine for many years. The rarity of a rural, village-like setting based within London leant itself to being both recognised and protected. 

We worked with Dean James of Sutton Council to tell the local story, bring to life significant history, identify architectural qualities of the built landscape, understand the value of streetscape and rural corridors, and to ultimately compose the powerful messaging and guidance in a language and format that planners, homeowners and developers could reference and use.

I’m very proud that we’ve achieved this designation. It has helped bring the community together, to have one voice and to have WhatsApp groups supporting dialogue - local challenges can be discussed in a transparent forum.

Social cohesion has been improved by knowing the common purpose and common history of the Sutton Farm Estate. We also realise we are protecting a unique ecosystem which is habitat to a significant amount of wildlife.

With so many changes going on in South Sutton, we feel that we are in a better place to be able to seek protection from some of the threats to the character of the area that some new developments create. 

Several other local groups requested our document from us, as they too were looking at creating ASLCs for their distinct areas.”

*Area of Special Local Character (ASLCs) cover areas which have a distinctive character locally that the Council and residents wish to maintain, but which do not meet the criteria for designation as a conservation area. 

This is just one of hundreds of services we provide in Sutton. But we are facing a big challenge. 

More than 70% of our budget goes towards caring for Sutton’s vulnerable adults and children. Following COVID-19, more people are needing our help, while the cost of services is increasing.

Find out how we’re going to protect those needing our care and support Sutton’s recovery over the next 12 months.

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