Residents' ballot backs £100m Alton Estate rebuild

Wandsworth Council says 82% of respondents backed the plans

Residents have backed £100m plans to regenerate one of the largest housing estates in south-west London.

A ballot held by Wandsworth Council resulted in 82% of more than 1,400 residents supporting proposals for the Alton Estate, in Roehampton.

The project aims to demolish 177 homes and build up to 650 new ones, with 57% classed as affordable housing. It also includes new community facilities, a public square, outdoor spaces and shops.

The ballot result follows more than a decade of uncertainty for residents since the council first approved regeneration in 2012.

Labour, which took control of the Wandsworth Council in 2022, scrapped the previous scheme approved by the Conservatives over concerns about affordability and then drew up a new masterplan in consultation with residents.

Aydin Dikerdem, the council's cabinet member for housing, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "I think the biggest challenge with the Alton renewal was that so many people had been promised something for so long that they just no longer believed that the council was ever going to do anything.

"The hardest hill was getting people to realise that we had decided to give them a real say and a stake in it."

The council said the ballot, run by Civica between 22 September and 16 October, was the largest it had ever overseen.

Previous regeneration plans for Alton Estate were scrapped over the quantity of affordable housing

As part of early improvements, the council has opened a family hub, installed murals, resurfaced roads and expanded a community minibus service.

A separate application is being fast-tracked for a new library, youth club, council offices, community spaces and 40 council homes at the entrance to the estate.

"For too many years this estate has suffered from lack of investment," Mr Dikerdem said.

"Now we have a clear decision from the people who live here that they want real change and we're committed to delivering that."

Putney MP Fleur Anderson welcomed the result, saying: "Alton residents have waited far too long for the investment they deserve. The 'yes' vote is a clear message that people want change – new homes, better health facilities, modern community spaces and a revitalised shopping parade."