Cllrs to discuss the next stage following a summer of residents ideas

Over the summer, Wandsworth Council held meetings, conducted a November 8, 2012ne on which comments could be left and commissioned an independent organisation to canvas local views - all to find out what residents want to see change in the area.

The consultation marked the first step in a proposed regeneration project for the area, which aims to see it transformed into an even better place for residents, businesses and visitors over the next several years.

The next stage in the process will see council committee members consider appointing a firm to produce a masterplan for the area based on feedback from members of the public.

The initial consultation results revealed that people want to see improvements to the quality of existing housing in the area. Support was also demonstrated for more significant redevelopment, with many people prepared to see the demolition of some buildings to pave the way for more housing to be built.

Residents also told the council they wanted to see improvements made to the general environment, as well as improving facilities for young people on the estate.

Other popular changes included improving shopping facilities and maintaining and enhancing existing open spaces and services such as the library and GP surgery.

From a social point of view, there was a consensus that ways of combating crime and antisocial behaviour, and generally improving safety should be factored into the council’s improvement plans.

The findings will be discussed in full at overview and scrutiny committee meetings next week – the first being the housing overview and scrutiny committee meeting on November 14. A report detailing the initial consultation results has been published on the council’s website Wednesday 7th November.

Councillor Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, said:
“This is just the first step in an exciting project for residents and businesses in the area. We will use the feedback received so far to consider the scale of improvement work to embark on. Once a decision has been made, we will look to appoint a firm to help produce a masterplan for the area to set out a detailed, long-term vision for future improvement work. Help from residents will be crucial in creating a masterplan – this will only be done once everyone in the area has been given a chance to have their say.”

Just over 500 people have already registered their interest in being involved in further discussion around the future of the area. If you’d like to be involved, please email roehampton@wandsworth.gov.uk.

November 7, 2012