Sutton Local Plan: 738 new homes a year and what it means

Published 29 October 2026

Sutton's next Local Plan, the document that guides where new homes, shops and workplaces can go across the borough, reached a key stage this month. Councillors were due to decide at Full Council on Monday 19 October 2026 whether to submit the draft plan to the Government for independent examination.

What the draft plan proposes

• 738 homes a year from 2026/27, around 12,000 homes over the plan period. That is up from an earlier figure of 469 a year.
• 35% affordable housing as the target for qualifying private developments.
• Site allocations including land around Carshalton, Woodcote Grove and Beddington, plus regeneration of town centre and civic land.
• Some Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land could change status as part of the allocations.

The Government's standard housing method points to a much higher number for Sutton, around 1,650 homes a year, so that gap is likely to be a major topic at examination.

What happens next

Submitting a plan is not the same as adopting it. If submission goes ahead, a planning inspector examines the plan in public hearings, which could take place in 2027. The current 2018 Local Plan stays in force until a new one is formally adopted. Allocations in the draft are proposals, not planning permissions.

The public consultation on this draft ran from 18 June to 31 July 2026 and has closed. Check Sutton Council's Local Plan pages for the outcome of the 19 October vote and the examination timetable.

Why local businesses should care

More homes mean more local customers, more demand for trades, childcare, cafés, gyms and services, and more pressure on parking and roads. If your business depends on footfall in a particular high street or estate, it is worth knowing which sites near you are allocated, and when building might start.

New residents also search online before they shop. Having a clear, up-to-date listing means you are found by the people moving into new developments. You can list your business free on skrebe..

Sources and further reading

• Planning Geek: Sutton Local Plan faces 19th October submission vote
• Sutton Online: Local Plan submission vote
• Sutton Council: latest news