An opportunity to raise any other issue of local interest not covered elsewhere on the agenda.    Kindly email your request 24 hours in advance of the meeting to:Tony.Edwards@placedp.com

Flooding update:

• Merton has a live Flooding Survey which feeds into Merton’s Section 19 reports. Please complete if you have been affected by flooding
• The Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) bid for Worple Rd raingarden was unsuccessful
• Recent thunderstorms and flooding – Raynes Park town centre remained reasonably dry in the event which has been a test for and shows a success of recent highway drainage works and sewer clearance between Merton and Thames Water.
• Travelodge/Durham Rd – private issue reported to management of the Travelodge to repair.
• Merton Council officers have met with Cllrs to discuss plans for Raynes Park town centre and would like to develop a community flood plan
• Merton assessing options to look at other raingarden locations in the town centre
• Integrated Survey for Flood Alleviation scheme

Tony Edwards said that the RPA was keen to work with Thames Water and Merton Council to identify locations for rain gardens.

Cllr Victoria Wilson said that a leak on Amity Grove has been reported. Cllr Wilson reminded residents that leaks, and flooding should be reported to Thames Water, issues with gullies report to Merton Council.

Cllr Chessie Flack introduced Peter Lam from Hale Architecture and Charlotte Williams from Quad, who are acting on behalf of Aviva in relation to site on 82-86 Bushey Road. In 2016 Aviva received planning for retail and the site was demolished but it did not proceed to construction. They are now bringing in a new application for light industrial use and they plan to apply by the of end September. The site is next to Pets at Home and forms an L-shape. To protect housing on north side they will create a barrier using the buildings with yards only facing into the site. They have high sustainability aims so will be including green roofs, new trees, wildflower meadows, use passive solar protection, low temperature hot water and rainwater harvesting on larger warehouses. Aviva also want to include a new public clock using the clock faces that were removed from the site and put into storage. There will not be a pedestrian footpath to Bodnant Gardens as there will not be a need for public access. The pre-application consultation ends next Thursday.

A resident asked what kind of companies would be likely to use the new development. Charlotte said that it would be mainly last mile distribution companies, and trade counters. A resident asked about road safety for local school pupils and Charlotte said they will be meeting with the school to discuss their safety concerns. A resident asked if Pets at Home would be staying at the site and Charlotte said they have just signed a new long-term lease with Aviva and there would be improvements to their part of the site as well. 

A resident asked about the use of wood in the design and Peter explained that they would be using treated timber cladding that will be able to sustain the look for a long period of time. A resident asked about access to A3 for HGVs and Charlotte said this should be fine.

A resident said that the area is hostile to pedestrians and cycles, and no footpath will restrict access for those working at the site. Charlotte said security would be at front of site, so that is where access is and whilst most will drive there will be cycle parking and dropped curbs.

Cllr James Williscroft spoke about Merton and Sutton joint cemetery board. Cllrs from across parties and boroughs cooperate well. The toilets and wating rooms at Merton cemetery have had a deep clean and investment promised to improve them.

Cllr Caroline Charles said that at Northeast Surrey Crematoria a wall had been knocked down by a car and a new garden of remembrance was being built. The pews are also being refurbished.

Cllr Willis said they have submitted a funding application to South Western Railway (SWR) with the RPA for additional murals. This was for up to nine murals in the skew arch and would involve local schools and community groups. Work would not commence until April 2023 but a decision is expected by the end of the year.

There will be a Bat walk on Cannon Hill Lane 7.30pm on Friday 23 September.