ISSUE: Development Proposals at Whitelands College SW15.

RESIDENTS WILLING TO SUPPORT REASONABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT WHITELANDS SW15 IF PLAYING FIELD CAN BE SAVED.

"We recognise London needs more houses and we are happy with the way the developers have suggested converting existing listed buildings to provide a range of housing including some affordable accommodation," says Catherine Sedgwick, secretary of the Sutherland Grove and Area Residents Association (SG&ARA)

"The bulk of the developers profit, however, will be made from building on a green field, and we are dismayed at the loss of such an amenity - especially as the new St. Cecilia School, only 250 metres away in Sutherland Grove has already had its playing fields sold off for housing development."

In view of the lack of sports grounds in the Borough and at St. Cecilia's school, it is felt that it is essential that the grounds be retained for public usage of some sort.

Parking is already an issue in the area with restricted parking zones in surrounding streets coming into play in recent months. That the proposed development includes the provision of only 300 car parking spaces for 400 units is a huge concern. Even assuming that on average there will be 1 car per home unit, there will be 100 cars with no allocated parking. Added to this is the need for the provision of adequate visitors parking on site, so as to alleviate the pressure from
the surrounding streets.

The area is already suffering from commuters parking in the area and parking spaces are becoming few and far between. Road rage incidents on adjoining streets are now becoming commonplace.

The height of the proposed development on the field is also an issue, as the listed boundary wall that will remain around the site will not be a shield for the rather glaring modern design of the new development, which does not reflect the architecture of the conservation area at all. The volume of which will also lead to a loss of privacy for the residents adjoining the site.

"Loft extensions in Girdwood Road abutting the southern boundary of the site are already being refused by Wandsworth Council because of 'bulk', so proposed three story townhouses abutting these rear gardens should not be acceptable either, " says Tim Fry, local resident.

"We are looking for a reasonable density of development in respect to the increase of traffic, traffic noise, public transport overcrowding and congestion in the area. The prospective opening of the St. Cecilia's School in Sutherland Grove already has unknown traffic ramifications which become additional safety concerns for the existing surrounding schools."

The development is proposed to be an 'open development' permeable to any pedestrian access (despite the listed walling around the entire site) and thus any subsequent security risks. The residents, primarily of Whitefield Close who will have an unprotected boundary, are concerned that this development will create a "through route" for persons intent on misdemeanors and increase the number of break-ins.

Finally and by no means the least of local concerns are centred on the effect of the development on the wildlife in the area. The loss of this particular green corridor between the commons will seriously decrease the birdlife and other flora and fauna currently nurtured in this
environment.

If you wish to give your opinions to the Planning Department you can email them Boroughplanner@wandsworth.gov.uk or you can email the residents group camille@clpr.freeserve.co.uk

31.03.2003

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