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Search the Public Notice PortalOne of Sutton’s biggest developments is now underway, so here’s everything we know so far about the B&Q Chalk Gardens scheme.
The project will see more than 1,000 homes built on land off Sutton Court Road, along with a new public park, commercial space and hundreds of 'affordable' homes.
The development is being built on the site of the former B&Q store, which closed in June 2024 after its lease was not renewed.
The land sits in a natural dry valley that was once used as a chalk quarry, with records showing a pit on the site dating back to the 18th century.
Because of the old quarry, the B&Q building was partly below ground level, and the site has long been considered unusual from an engineering point of view.
Plans to redevelop the land were first brought forward around 2020 by developer St George, part of the Berkeley Group.
A formal planning application was submitted in 2022 and approved by Sutton Council in December 2023 after a planning committee meeting that attracted a high level of public interest.
In total, 315 objections were lodged against the scheme, making it one of the most opposed planning applications in the borough in recent years.
The approved plans allow for eight residential buildings ranging from six to 21 storeys, with a total of 1,014 homes.
Around 60 per cent of the site will be landscaped, including a new public park known as Chalk Park, designed to reflect the site’s history as a quarry.
The development will also include ground-floor commercial units, new walking and cycling routes, and improved links between Sutton town centre, Manor Park and surrounding roads.
Of the 1,014 homes, 353 will be classed as 'affordable' housing.
Sutton Council has agreed to buy 217 of those homes using a mix of Right to Buy receipts, funding from the Greater London Authority and its own housing budget.
Most of the 'affordable' homes will be for London Affordable Rent, with the rest offered through shared ownership.
Council leaders say the project will play an important role in tackling the borough’s housing shortage, with more than 1,100 families currently living in temporary accommodation.
However, the development has also attracted strong criticism from some residents and opposition councillors, who argue the buildings are too tall and out of character with Sutton town centre.
Cllr Tim Foster described the scheme as “ghettoisation”, while Cllr Tony Shields called it a “poor door development”.
There have also been concerns about the site’s history as a chalk pit, with residents questioning whether the ground conditions could cause flooding or stability problems, although the council says the homes will be built to modern engineering standards.
Construction began after demolition started in late 2024, but the project will be built in phases and is expected to take several years to complete.
The first 'affordable' homes are expected to be delivered in 2029, although the full development is likely to continue beyond that.
Further amendments to the plans are still being considered, including changes to parking arrangements and building layouts, meaning the final version of the scheme could still change slightly before it is finished.
