This week the council published an alternative masterplan for the Roehampton estate. This is a huge departure from how they have historically approached community development. This new plan calls for almost 100 more affordable homes than that initial blueprint. It delivers improved community facilities and a replacement shopping parade. The council is determined to tackle historical social deprivation throughout the county.
The former Conservative government had big ideas. Under these proposals, they intended to knock down 288 homes on the Roehampton estate with the goal of rebuilding 1,108 new dwellings in their stead. This outlandish earlier proposal included just 261 affordable homes. The updated masterplan calls for a daring shift. It will add 447 new homes than the number of homes it’s replaced, and 57% of the new 614 homes will have affordable housing.
Labour councillor Aydin Dikerdem expressed strong support for the revised plan, stating that it would be “one of the most ambitious renewal programmes in London.” Continuing to make the case, Giles stressed the need to invest in Roehampton, focusing on the high levels of social deprivation in the area.
“Roehampton has got large social deprivation. It’s an area where the council needs to invest in order to make sure that life chances in Wandsworth are fair, and so it’s really, really important that alongside the housing offer we also have a really good community offer.” – Labour councillor Aydin Dikerdem
A recent viability study brought good tidings for the Roehampton estate. It demonstrated that we could deliver a highly appropriate regeneration scheme for well under £100 million. The town council is anticipating submitting a planning application for the estate by June 2026. They plan to have a ballot on the proposed scheme in September.
Commenting on the situation, then Lib Dem councillor Kieren McCarthy said previous Labour and Conservative administrations were to blame for mismanagement of the estate. He claimed residents have been “treated appallingly for 20 years,” criticising the continued neglect of the estate.
“It’s been left to rot and it’s an embarrassment.” – Lib Dem Kieren McCarthy
One thing is clear from the revised masterplan, the city is all in on improving housing choices. It was to encourage an environment of community support. The council is now doubling down on those efforts to build even more affordable homes. On top of that, they’re improving their facilities to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for Roehampton’s residents.
