Last year there was a lot of excitement with the announcement that Clarion would redevelop a site in Mitcham to create new affordable social housing. However, more recently there has been controversy and criticism of the plans. We want to have a closer look here. Then, if you want to work with an expert to arrange block management in Merton, you can rely on us.
The site
Majestic Way is in a central part of the Mitcham Village area. The site was home to a multi-storey car park and commercial units, including a former Morrisons. However, the redevelopment will be a big transformation of the plot; it will create new affordable homes as well as new, diverse commercial spaces.
At the time of the purchase, Clarion said they would deliver sustainable, high quality housing on the site. Most importantly, they will ensure this is a project that “respects the area’s heritage while paving the way for its bright future”.
Impressively, the project is a partnership between Clarion and Merton Council. It will redevelop this crucial part of Mitcham, helping to give the wider area a better future. Most importantly, it will consult local stakeholders to ensure the redevelopment “meets the aspirations of the area”.
Plans
More recently we got further information about the plans. The redevelopment will feature a series of new blocks, delivering 249 affordable homes. In addition, there will be new, diverse commercial and community space. The CGI images look impressive. They could inspire similar designs for urban locations. As a top provider of block management in Merton and other parts of London, we love to see projects like this.
Shortly after revealing more details about the plans online in June though, there was backlash against them. Local group MCGCH is critical of the height of the blocks. They say at 11 storeys, they will massively exceed guidance in the area’s Local Plan; it limits heights to six storeys except in certain areas. Plus, the number of homes exceeds the 160-home limit in the plan.
MCGCH said the current proposals will be “damaging” for Mitcham. They are critical of a lack of transparency, including details about commercial, cultural, and community space. Ultimately, the fear is the plans fail to deliver on the goal to be a community-driven redevelopment.
Clarion said they have done two rounds of consultations to get feedback from the community. They’ve used the findings to shape the designs, including building heights. Plus, they’re working to maintain essential services for the area.
Merton Council’s Andrew Judge said “proposals should take a design-led approach”. Designs should ensure the scale, height, materials, and layout match the context of the site and the distinct character of the area. He said the council will do a public consultation and get feedback when they receive the planning application.
Ask us if you want block management in Merton
Blocks can be fantastic assets. They are also the best way to deliver a large amount of housing on sites. That is why they are the most popular proposal for urban areas where demands for homes are high but land is scarce. They need the right designs though, and require effective management.
Finefair Ltd has plenty of experience with blocks. Clients can rely on us if they need to arrange management solutions for them. We can do it, and also specialise in guaranteed rent. Working with local councils means we can give investors stable income for assets and reliable services to manage the properties.
If you want to learn more about block management in Merton, including in Mitcham and other parts of the borough, contact us. We’ll advise you and reveal why it is so rewarding to work with us.
