Multi-million pound plans to dramatically regenerate a ‘deteriorating’ housing estate in Pollards Hill have been met with scepticism by some residents as plans are officially submitted to Merton Council for the first time.
Moat Housing Ltd has now put in plans worth £20.3million to the council after launching a consultation last year for the huge regeneration scheme to demolish 24 homes, to build 90, increase parking from 310 to 499 spaces and build a new access road.
How the facades of some of the houses may look after work has been done
Refurbishment work has already started on some homes but the company needs planning permission from the council before it can go ahead with much of the extensive work.
Parking proposals for Recreation Way
Ten streets including Monmouth Close and Kent Close will be affected and Moat is offering to help freeholders with refurbishments as part of its overall plan.
Lorraine Frederick, 50, a freeholder on the estate who runs her business from Kent Close, expressed doubts about the benefits.
She said: “The plans for freeholders changed a great deal from what was initially described and it seems it will end up costing us a lot more than implied.
“I agree with the estate being upgraded but it feels like it's going to benefit Moat and its tenants and not necessarily the freeholders.”
MP for Mitcham and Morden Siobhain McDonagh said: “It's a good deal for tenants and leaseholders alike, giving everyone a chance to live in a nicer, warmer and cheaper home.”
Residents voiced concerns about the impact on Donnelly Green, one of the few green spaces on the estate, and the prioritisation of issues.
Moat said the scheme would tackle and reduce fear of and opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour, improve standards and appearance of existing housing, and improve access, storage and lighting.
It would develop new, high quality affordable homes and a mix that respond to the particular needs of the Pollards Hill ward, as well as improving the quality, biodiversity, useability and management of existing open spaces.
Joanne Nash, 31, said: “Regeneration is not going to change the crime rate. They’re starting five years too late. It’s a bit of a farce.”
Some work has already started, above.
Marian Burke, director of strategic asset investment at Moat, said the plans would ultimately result in the creation of more green space and a sense of safety through the landscaping of courtyards.
“We want to open up the estate with walkways and sightlines from South Lodge Avenue through to Recreation Way,” she said.
“This will create a much more open, safe and enjoyable environment to live in.”
She emphasised Moat’s commitment to social regeneration and working with residents to tackle knife crime, fly-tipping and inconsiderate parking.
“We need to make residents confident that we’re going to do what we say we’re going to do,” she said.
Councillor Martin Whelton expressed confidence that the development will improve the fabric of the estate and said that the loss of green space would be tiny.
He said: “We are aware that some residents are not happy, in particular about the changes to Donnelly Green.
“We are encouraging residents to comment through the official consultation which runs until December 25.”
The regeneration would be split into phases.
As part of the plan, 86 per cent of homes in Berkshire Way, 77 per cent of homes in Brecon Close and 96 per cent of homes in Monmouth Close could be refurbished.
To view the full plans, search for planning reference number 15/P4305 on www.merton.gov.uk.
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