Redevelopment plans for Wallington Hall – where the late David Bowie and the Rolling Stones are said to have performed – have stalled, it’s been revealed.

Sutton Council approved plans to knock down the former cinema and theatre, in Stafford Road, to make way for 31 homes back in March.

However, problems surrounding agreements over land purchase and funding have hindered further progress according a report published ahead of a Sutton Shareholdings Board committee meeting.

Wallington Public Hall and two housing blocks are set to be demolished for several homes – 35 percent of which would be “affordable housing”.

RELATED: March: Plans to demolish Wallington Hall and build 31 homes on site approved

Mary Morrissey, Sutton Council’s strategic director for environment, housing, and regeneration, said: “The Section 106 planning undertaking to be entered into by Sutton Living to make ‘live’ the planning application has still to be enacted.

“The land purchase agreement has still to be completed, and, until achieved, Sutton Living cannot enter into the S106 as it does not have an interest in the land.

“Outstanding issues that required resolution have now been agreed upon and the intention is to exchange contracts and enact the S106 as soon as possible.

“However, completion of the land purchase cannot happen until the council can offer the site with vacant possession, which is likely to be mid-December.”

Your Local Guardian: David Bowie. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire

David Bowie. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire

The new development will have eight one-bedroom flats, 21 with two bedrooms, and two three-bedrooms with 11 – or 35 percent – classed as “affordable housing” by Sutton Living.

Wallington Public Hall has remained vacant since it was closed more than three years ago in March 2015.

In a blog post that month, Sutton Council deputy leader Cllr Jayne McCoy said famous people who have performed there include David Bowie, Jeff Beck, Manfred Mann, the Kinks, and the Rolling Stones.

At the time, the Sutton Shareholdings Board committee vice-chair continued that the council did not have enough funds for the “major refurbishment” it needed.

In addition, there was recognition that “there is no longer a need” for the kind of use it was built for and cost the council around £75,000 per year to maintain.

Ms Morrissey added: “Funding agreements with the council have to be completed to allow Sutton Living to purchase the land, and then to let a building contract.

“There are discussions taking place between the company and council to resolve outstanding financing issues and an update will be given to the meeting.”

The Sutton Shareholdings Board committee is set to meet at the council’s civic offices on September 12.