Apologies were received from Cllr Manly, with Cllr Henry as substitute.

Apologies were received from Caroline Bruce (Executive Director of Environment, Civic Pride and Climate) and the young inspector.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.

Panel Members confirmed that these were a true and accurate record of the previous meeting.

Brian Ham introduced the report from Clarion which provides details on the three core estates to the regeneration programme (High Path, Eastfields and Ravensbury).

High Path:

Phase 1 of High Path was completed a few years ago. Clarion are now close to submitting a revised application for phase 2 (expected to be at the end of April) and the demolition of Lovell House and Marsh Court are now in the early stages. The application will include a 2^nd staircase because of guidance around building safety post Grenfell. The substantive demolition for Phase 3 won’t begin until provisions are ready for residents at Lovell House to be rehoused.

The demolition of Lovell House and Marsh Court are expected to be completed within the timeframe indicated to local residents. Work so far has included disconnecting utilities and removing tiles which must be done by hand. Clarion tries to recycle as much of the old building as possible.

Brian Ham explained that Clarion do try to accommodate people. For example, on one occasion by providing 2 properties instead of 1 as the family had outgrown requirements but couldn’t afford to go into a bigger property. Clarion have also provided financial advice and support.

Eastfields:

The first phase will be completed in early May. There will be design changes needed to manage building regulations for phase 1C. These will be submitted for consent soon.

The completed regeneration will be filled by existing tenants of the estate.

Ravensbury:

Some changes will be needed for phase 3. These relate to renewable energy and overheating. This often requires the inclusion of a mechanical cooling system or reducing window sizes. The regeneration remains on track to be completed in 2029.

Brian Ham stated that although construction inflation is around 20%, the biggest impact of the delays on the business plan is the costs around buy backs of former right to buy properties. The finance charges every month of delays equate to around £333,000 a month which cumulatively outweighs the construction cost inflation.

Discussing ongoing maintenance of properties, Scott Greenshields explained that the regeneration projects do not stop Clarion investing in properties. However, Clarion would make informed decisions to prevent overinvesting in properties.

The regeneration will lead to a total increase in social rented units of 233 by the end of the programme. The homes being newly built generally have more rooms than the older ones. Clarion are also endeavouring to get planning permission for Majestic way will also add around 225-249 social rented units.

There is a re-housing strategy in the interim. Residents are given the right to only move once. In some cases, people are happy to move more than once if it means they can move into a better property short term.

Discussing Majestic Way, Brian Ham explained that conversations have taken place with planning staff in Merton about how big the community space could be. Clarion can accommodate a space any size between 100 and 1500 square metres. Jeremy Smalley noted that members can  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Jeremy Smalley introduced the report which discusses immediate measures taken in Mitcham and Morden. It was noted that an examination into longer term projects on town centre regeneration could be brought to a future panel.

Discussing Mitcham, Paul McGarry explained that over 700 residents were spoken to through the ‘Mitcham Matters’ consultation. Residents expressed concerns about public safety and wanted to create a welcoming environment. Merton have invested in a Mitcham town centre manager and are trying to build positive partnerships, such as with youth clubs, and enhance the experience for residents. For example, the ‘Second Saturday Markets’ has increased footfall by 6.8% on days the market is held. In addition, the Christmas lights switch-on saw an increase in footfall of 34%. Merton have also began planting projects, are working to put a new notice board up in the town centre and have worked with the Salvation Army to provide a youth hub space.

In Morden there have been several workshops in the town centre looking at biodiversity and what improvements can be made to improve the public space. Merton have also used Ai to help visualise ideas suggested by residents and the Abbotsbury Road street party was used to test art decor. Looking forward, Merton are aiming to launch new events during 2025, improve street lighting and utilise the space behind the tube station.

Discussing the nighttime strategy (which covers 6pm to 6am), Sarah Xavier explained that an online consultation exercise was held to get local feedback. Merton have also used evidence from other consultations that have taken place. In 2024 ‘The Vault’ in Morden, offering a nighttime activity, opened. Looking forward, Merton will be seeking to address concerns raised by residents which included safety, lighting and transport. Merton will also be looking to engage with residents who don’t use online forms of engagement such as young people in schools or older people.

The recommendations of the Community Toilet Scheme task group were published in 2023 and an officer has been in post since September 2024. Work has been done to seek out best practice across other boroughs. A mapping exercise has been completed to clarify where public toilets are already available and give an idea of footfall and opening times. The officer is designing a website which will be ready to share soon and has contacted local businesses. 2 restaurants have positively responded so far and the officer has been liaising with groups to understand how a wheelchaired resident would need accessibility.  However, some businesses have said that although they allow the public to use their toilets, they don’t want to advertise that they are part of the scheme. It was noted that Merton do not pay businesses to join the scheme.

In response to questions on Mitcham:

-Merton do try to coordinate events around planned roadworks, however on occasions they are emergency works. Jeremy Smalley added that the town centre manager does liaise with businesses on this.

-A suggestion about how the police station will fit into  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Andrew Kauffman and Anthony Hopkins introduced the reports.

In response to questions:

-Officers will find out if the heat map showing fly tipping by ward can be put online. The data does include reports through fix my street as well as inspections. Officers will also check with colleagues if some level of discretion will be applied around the increased fly tipping fines.

-The grant claim from the Mayor of London Urban Tree Challenge regarding additional watering has been made.

-Stump grinding is on track. Any specific complaints from residents on this can be sent through to the team.

-The report from the independent Merton greenspaces forum has been seen and will feed into discussions about the future of the service.

-The allotment service was brought back in house in February. The allotment administrator is now in post. More on this can be discussed in the Q4 report.

-Fix my street for parks is in the service testing phase. It is hoped it will go live in May 2025.

Anthony Hopkins stated that the number of leisure centre users is maintaining which is positive considering private sector competition.

Jeremy Smalley will investigate why the homelessness prevention target is set at 450. It was noted that the dashboard indicates that Merton is still under pressure in this area.

The panel’s recommendation at the last meeting on air quality will be added to the log.

The work programme was agreed.