Over the past months I have visited several sites and seen three development presentations for Wimbledon Park. Each one outlined many good ideas to regenerate the local area. In total the plans would create up to a 1000 new homes and a new sporting facility.
This is positive. These developments would smarten up old industrial sites and rundown areas. They will bring much-needed accommodation and employment to people who want to live and work in Merton.
However, it is totally irresponsible for Merton Council to consider any of these developments, unless they are accompanied by a clear strategic infrastructure programme for schools, health services, and local transport.
This year I have been inundated with letters from anxious parents unable to find a suitable school place for their children. Gap Road and Plough Lane are already slow and difficult to travel along during rush hour.
These problems will only get worse with 1000 more homes in the area.
Labour need to put the needs of residents ahead of those of developers. For too long, large-scale developers in Merton have got away without considering the impact on school places, doctors surgeries, traffic and parking.
This needs to change.
We want to see the development of homes and communities, not just buildings. The council must make it clear that any new developments incorporate and address the need for these vital services in a coherent way.
Councillor Linda Taylor
Wimbledon Park Ward Councillor (Conservative)
- Send your letters to: letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk
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