B&Q Sutton Chalk Gardens 1,000 home plan – Residents react

The Chalk Gardens development, being built off Sutton Court Road, will include 1,014 homes, a new public park, commercial space and hundreds of 'affordable' properties.

After rounding up everything we know about the plan, readers took to the Sutton Guardian Facebook to share their views.

Some people welcomed the new housing while others raised concerns about infrastructure, building height and the future of the borough.

Some residents said the scale of development in Sutton is changing the character of the area.

Paul Lawrence wrote: “Unfortunately we’re becoming a second Croydon.”

David Tipping said the town had already changed too much in recent years.

He commented: “The Sutton I grew up in has been so spoilt now it’s so sad.”

Linda Ashby added: “Shops come and go so quickly. It has lost its charm of years ago.”

Others said they understood the need for new homes, particularly for younger people struggling to stay in the borough.

Tracy Hodges wrote: “Our young people deserve to have places that are more affordable but close to their community to live.”

Gareth Thomas said more housing was needed so future generations can remain local.

He wrote: “We need more homes to be built so that our children have a chance of living in the area they grew up in.”

However, many comments focused on worries about pressure on local services.

Huw Chandler said: “And the doctors, dentists, schools etc to support the 3,000–4,000 new residents are where?”

Mike Maman added: “Who is building new schools, GPs, nurseries, shops, more trains?"

Some residents also criticised the height of the planned buildings, which will range from six to 21 storeys.

Gerald Richardson wrote: “High rise, high rise, high rise.

“That’s what Sutton has become.”

Several readers said they would have preferred different facilities on the site instead of housing.

Julie Bristol said: “Why not build a SEND school?

“It is definitely needed in Sutton.”

Chris Messett added: “Build something for kids – mine are always bored saying Sutton is so boring.”

Not all reactions were negative, with some saying they were looking forward to the development.

Richard Dickie Hayes wrote: “Absolutely wonderful!

“How exciting!”

Ashwood Tree & Landscapes Service added: “Looking forward to seeing this development progress.”

The Chalk Gardens scheme was approved by Sutton Council in December 2023 after attracting more than 300 objections during the planning process, making it one of the most opposed applications in the borough in recent years.

The development will see the former B&Q site off Sutton Court Road replaced with eight residential buildings ranging from six to 21 storeys, with a total of 1,014 homes planned.

Around 60 per cent of the site will be landscaped, including a new public park known as Chalk Park, designed to reflect the land’s history as a former chalk quarry.

Of the 1,014 homes, 353 will be classed as affordable housing, with Sutton Council set to buy more than 200 of those using a mix of Right to Buy receipts, Greater London Authority funding and its own housing budget.

The scheme will also include commercial space, new walking and cycling routes and improved links between Sutton town centre, Manor Park and surrounding roads.

Construction began after demolition started in late 2024, but the project will be built in phases over several years, with the first affordable homes currently expected to be delivered in 2029.

Further amendments to the plans are still being considered, meaning the final layout of the development could still change before the project is completed.