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Agenda item

Future Wimbledon Masterplan

Paul McGarry, Head of Future Merton, Merton Council

Minutes:

Paul McGarry gave an update on the draft Wimbledon Master Plan that is out for public consultation until 6 January 2019. The presentation is available in appendix 2 and the full Master Plan document can be found at https://www.merton.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/regeneration-urban-design/future-wimbledon

 

There have been 270 responses to date, most from local residents. It was clear that local groups spreading the word and the use of social media had had a positive impact on encouraging people to respond. The main issues being raised so far were building heights and traffic.

 

Residents asked about publicity for the consultation. Paul thanked those that had helped promote the consultation, and explained that it was not possible to use Council Tax contacts due to Data Protection regulations. The team had already attended lots of local meetings and they are still happy to attend further meetings to discuss the document. Contact them via email at future.merton@merton.gov.uk

 

Residents also asked about a number of issues which are set out below along with the response from Paul:

 

Issue raised

Response

How would Crossrail 2 not proceeding impact on the plans?

Only a small section of the Masterplan, the area already safeguarded by Crossrail 2, would be dependent on the project going ahead.

What would the new buildings be used for?

Mixed use, offices, retail and commercial, mainly replacing existing buildings

What evidence is there for the demand for growth, especially office space?

The town centre is already close to capacity, with on 2% vacancies, and a number of employers would like to expand but cannot do so within the current buildings available

Proposed building heights are excessive

This has been a common thread in the responses to the consultation so far so will need further consideration

The need for new public space

The plans create a public square outside of the station, four times the size of the current space

What will happen to the ‘Fridge on the Bridge’?

Under plans for Crossrail 2 this building would due to come down

How specific are the plans at this stage?

The Masterplan will create a framework for future planning decisions so is not designed to be specific. The plan will set out to developers what would be considered acceptable.

Pollution is aggravated by tall buildings

Other Council policies would still apply including the Air Quality Action Plan, so developers would have to show how they would mitigate these impacts. Crossrail 2 creates an opportunity to create additional crossings over the railway which would reduce congestion and pollution.

Could consultation questions have been more specific?

Responses to the previous consultation said that more open questions should be used so we responded to that. 

Wimbledon’s sense of community could be lost through overdevelopment

Please use the consultation to tell us what good looks like, and what heights would be acceptable. Design quality will be a key issue, most of the buildings that go are 80s/90s build and not popular so a Wimbledon style will be incorporated into the new standards.

The London Plan requires evidence for new office space

We will share the evidence in our response to the consultation.

Is the Concert Hall included?

Yes, and we have been speaking with the group

Can the consultation be given additional publicity?

We will continue to publicise and encourage people to respond. Thanks to those who have shared the consultation.

 

Cllr Martin Whelton said that the Masterplan was a chance to plan for the next 20 years. Wimbledon is already a successful town centre with more than 600 companies including 25 national headquarters and whilst the delay to Crossrail 2 is unhelpful it is important to plan for future growth and set out a vision. We are not attempting to copy Croydon with 45 or 50 storey buildings but town centres need to be proactive to maintain their status. We welcome comments and are willing to meet with any groups. The final plan will go to a meeting of the Full Council for approval.

 

The Local Plan draft, covering the whole borough is also being consulted on and comments are invited on that plan as well.

 

Supporting documents: