Sutton’s former B&Q is set to be demolished and make way for nearly 1,000 flats, but some residents aren't happy.

Sutton’s huge B&Q store on Sutton Court Road closed June 8 after “unsuccessful negotiations” to renew the lease.

The store will be transformed into a residential development following planning permission approval in December 2023.

The project includes eight blocks of flats, 337 of which will be affordable homes, within the 970-flat establishment.

Tower heights range from six to 21 floors.

The development features 786 sqm of open space, accommodating new shops and a public park named Chalk Green.

Both residents and the public gain from a new cycle pathway cutting through the site.

St George, the developers, stated the development will "transform the formerly sterile B&Q site" by linking the green spaces of Manor Park to the north and the Warren Recreation Ground to the east.

St George also claimed that the site’s location next to Sutton station means its residents would be well served by public transport and would have a lesser need for journeys by car.

However, some residents objected to what they saw as an assumption that people "don't need to use cars."

Sutton residents Mr and Mrs D Tunesi dubbed the plans as an "urban dystopia" and said that "there is nothing for children to do in Sutton already". 

John McClelland claimed that the lack of parking will mean the new residents will have to rely on what he saw as "unreliable" public transport and his main concern was "the number of new homes that will be provided and the effect it will have on SBC Services".

He added: "The main one being the overcrowding of the local schools.

"I am not sure of the actual vacancies available in either lower or upper schools but from experience, there is already a problem so this extremely large increase will exacerbate an existing problem in such a confined area.

"In my mind, there has to be a limit to everything and this is a step too far for this area. ”

Michelle Duan, who has lived in Sutton for 60 years, said: "The site would be architecturally disrespectful to the character of the Victorian neighbourhood.

"The buildings are too high, no mention of extra schools or GPs or dentist provision.

"You are turning Sutton into mini Croydon and completely destroying it."

Elizabeth Mapwashike saw this as a “lack of compromise” from St George and said, "the council is allowing Sutton to be spoilt".

However, Sutton resident Robert White supported the plan, saying: "I would like to highlight the significant need in the borough for homes of all tenures.

"Many friends that grew up in the local area have had to move elsewhere as they have struggled to find good quality homes within their budgets.

"An overall increase in housing supply can only be a good thing to better meet current needs."

The demolition is part of the Sutton Civic and Town Centre Regeneration project, and the date for it will be announced in September 2024.