I recently met with the developers of the proposed new school on the Sheen Way playing fields to receive an update and raise residents' concerns.
As many know, I campaigned with local residents to oppose this site as the location of the new school. For more information on this campaign, please see here.
Despite my opposition to the development, I am keen to ensure that the impact of this project on our community is mitigated - both at construction and operation phases. Therefore, I will continue to liaise with local residents and developer to receive updates on the project.
As things stand, the target date for opening of the school is 2024 at the earliest, with construction due to commence later this year.
The exact date of when spades will hit the ground is yet to be confirmed; the developers are still working with Sutton Council on some of the conditions. Once a date is confirmed, I will ensure that local residents are well informed.
The developers are aware of local concerns about the project and are keen to engage with residents as much as possible. I welcome this sentiment but will be holding them to account on this.
One month before construction starts, a resident liaison group will be established by the developer. There will also be senior staff regularly working from the site to speak with residents, as well as a contact box at the entrance of the site.
The construction phase will last approximately 80 weeks, but this could change depending on a number of factors (for clarity, heavy construction won't be taking place for the entirety of that period). Construction work on the site will not take place on Sundays.
A traffic management order for the construction phase is currently being developed with Sutton Council. Once that has been confirmed, I will do ensure residents are aware of the outcome. During the construction phase, a number of fixed and mobile traffic marshals will be employed to help with the flow of construction traffic.
I will keep in touch with the developers and Sutton Council regularly to report back residents' views and hold the developers to account.
I remain opposed to the Sheen Way development. Unfortunately, it looks like it is going ahead, so I will do everything I can to help reduce the impact on local residents.
