Worcester Park Councillors urge Mayor to reject Motspur Park Gasholders development

Sutton Liberal Democrat councillors for Worcester Park have written to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan urging him to uphold Kingston Council’s refusal of the proposed Motspur Park Gasholders development.

Councillor Jo Elgarf, Councillor Luni Sabharwal and Councillor Dr Jenna Hartley-Smith have sent formal objections to City Hall over the application for five blocks of flats, rising up to 16 storeys, on the former gasholders site.

They warn that the proposal would place unacceptable pressure on local roads, public services and infrastructure, and is inappropriate for the low-rise suburban character of Motspur Park and Worcester Park. The letters pass on the concerns widely held in Worcester Park about traffic on Green Lane and Central Road, construction vehicles near Green Lane Primary School, parking pressure on Sutton streets, flood risk around Beverley Brook, loss of local character, and the need for proper remediation of a former industrial site.

Sutton Liberal Democrats have been raising concerns about the Motspur Park Gasholders proposals throughout the planning process. Sutton and Cheam MP Luke Taylor has also formally objected, citing serious concerns about the impact on Worcester Park, particularly traffic management.

Kingston Council refused the application in March. The decision now rests with the Mayor of London following GLA involvement in the application.

Councillor Jo Elgarf, Liberal Democrat councillor for Worcester Park North, said:

“Residents are not opposed to redevelopment of the site, but they are opposed to overdevelopment. Green Lane is already over capacity, local roads are not built for this scale of traffic, and the proposed exit is metres from a nursery and primary school. The Mayor should visit the area, listen to local families, and see for himself why this scheme is not suitable.”

Councillor Luni Sabharwal and Councillor Dr Jenna Hartley-Smith, Liberal Democrat councillors for Worcester Park South, said:

“London needs more homes, but development must be sustainable, appropriate and supported by the infrastructure around it. Buildings up to sixteen storeys would fundamentally alter the character of this low-rise suburban area. The cumulative impact on roads, schools, healthcare, drainage and public safety has not been properly addressed.”