A Mucky End As Plans Go Wayward In Wandsworth

Three officials at the Alton Estate pose wearing high vis jackets and hard hats

The 1,103 new homes which were part of the London Borough of Wandsworth's Alton Estate regeneration plan are now in jeopardy as Redrow Homes has pulled out of the scheme.

The developer cited increasing costs and a two-tier planning system in London that had forced the company into a rethink not just on the Wandsworth project but in the capital in general.

Redrow only submitted plans for the project last summer and even started work in February of this year.

 

 “Following a review of our schemes in London and the wider market, we recently announced we will scale back operations in London. As part of this we have taken the difficult decision to step away from the redevelopment of the Alton Estate and approached the council to request a managed exit.”

– Paul Muldowney 

Managing Director, Redrow Greater London

 

Smooth transition

“Our designs for the new community at the Alton Estate have been prepared to provide new homes alongside a wide range of community facilities and commercial space for local residents which have helped to move the scheme forward," continued Redrow's Muldowney. "We would like to reassure the local community that the homes at Bessborough Road, where we are currently on site, will be completed by Redrow. Taking the regeneration project to this stage has been the result of hard work and close collaboration with Wandsworth Council, we will continue to work closely together to ensure a smooth transition.”

 

Wandsworth Council response

Councillor Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council said:“It is deeply disappointing that Redrow feels unable to progress with this transformative scheme and as a result, the council has taken the difficult but pragmatic decision that it is better to look at alternative options rather than try and proceed with an unwilling partner.

"Despite these unprecedented times, the council remains completely committed to delivering the regeneration the residents of the Alton Estate expect and deserve. We will be exploring options as to how to deliver the scheme without Redrow and to maintain momentum subject to further planning permission being granted."

Picture: Mark Parker(centre), Chief Executive of Redrow Homes' London division and Leader of Wandsworh Council, Ravi Govindia break ground at the commencement of work at the Alton Estate regeneration.

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
03rd August 2020

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