Labour spokeswoman urges residents to get involved in North Cheam consultation

Emily Brothers, Spokeswoman for Sutton and Cheam Labour Party, is calling on residents to give their opinions on the plans to re-develop the derelict Victoria House site in North Cheam .

Ms Brothers, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate in the 2015 General Election, campaigned successfully for progress in replacing the infamous eyesore. An online petition launched two years ago by Ms Brothers attracted support for making proactive steps to revitalise the site.

In response to the latest planning application from Home Group, Ms Brothers said:
“I welcome progress to re-develop the derelict eyesore at Victoria House in North Cheam. That doesn’t mean local residents will take anything on offer. It is essential that local people are consulted, not have their views thwarted by the farce of planning details being accessible. I’ve been frustrated by the various delays, but it is essential that consultation is fair and proper. That means Home Group and Sutton Council taking people’s concerns more seriously.

“I’m glad the deadline for representations has been extended from 6 January to 1 February, there remains some doubt to whether the views of local people will carry any weight. As the scheduled decision by Planning Committee is apparently on the same day,  that time line needs to be later.”

“I’m encouraged though, as around 100 residents have already lodged their views with Sutton Council. I hope further representations will be made, not discouraged by Lib Dem blocking important planning information.

“I want Victoria House demolished brick by brick. I want a new build in its place that reflects the character of the surrounding area and doesn’t negatively impact on nearby residents. That’s why I’m concerned about the scale of the development, with 10 storeys of 90 mixed residential units. This proposal risks reducing light to surrounding roads and increasing parking congestion. In recent years local residents have found parking increasingly difficult, so the inadequacy of 50 bays for the new development will simply exacerbate that problem.

“I’m particularly dismayed by the lack of social housing in this development, just 12 out of 90 units. That just isn’t good enough and Sutton Councillors need to do something about it.”

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