Sutton’s B&Q demolition for flats will create ‘urban dystopia’

The former B&Q in Sutton is set to be demolished to make way for almost 1,000 flats, but some residents are not happy.

Sutton’s huge B&Q store on Sutton Court Road closed on June 8 after “unsuccessful negotiations” to renew its lease.

The store will be converted into a residential development following the approval of planning permission in December 2023.

The project includes eight blocks, of which 337 will be affordable housing, within the 970-unit development.

The height of the tower varies from six to 21 stories.

The development has 786 sq m of open space, housing new shops and a public park called Chalk Green.

Both residents and the public benefit from a new cycle track that crosses the site.

St George, the developers, said the development would “transform the barren former B&Q site” by linking the green spaces of Manor Park to the north and Warren Recreation Ground to the east.

St George also claimed the site’s location near Sutton railway station meant its residents would be well served by public transport and would have less need to travel by car.

However, some residents objected to what they saw as an assumption that people “don’t need to use cars”.

Sutton residents Mr and Mrs D Tunesi branded the plans an “urban dystopia” and said “children already have nothing to do in Sutton”.

John McClelland argued that the lack of parking would mean new residents would have to rely on what he saw as “unreliable” public transport and his main concern was “the number of new homes that will be provided and the effect that will have on the SBC. Services”.

He added: “The main one is overcrowding in local schools.

“I am not sure of the vacancies available in the lower or upper schools, but from experience there is already a problem, so this extremely large increase will exacerbate an existing problem in such a small area.

“In my mind, there has to be a limit to everything and this is a step too far for this area.”

Michelle Duan, who has lived in Sutton for 60 years, said: “The site would be architecturally disrespectful to the character of the Victorian borough.

“The buildings are too tall, there is no mention of additional schools or GPs or dentists.

“You’re turning Sutton into a mini Croydon and completely destroying it.”

Elizabeth Mapwashike saw this as a “lack of compromise” on the part of St George and said: “The council is allowing Sutton to be spoiled.”

However, Sutton resident Robert White backed the plan, saying: “I would like to highlight the significant need in the borough for housing of all tenures.

“Many friends who grew up in the local area have had to move elsewhere as they struggled to find good quality homes within their budgets.

“A general increase in housing supply can only be a good thing to better meet current needs.”

The demolition is part of the Sutton Civic and Town Center Regeneration project and the date will be announced in September 2024.