More than 1,400 residents voted in the ballot

Residents on an estate in south London have voted in favour of their local council’s proposals to redevelop their community.

Wandsworth Council says its plans for the Alton estate in Roehampton would deliver more than 600 new homes, alongside a new library, GP surgeries, youth facilities, Family Hub, improved shops, green spaces and access around the estate. 

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Built in the late 1950s by the London County Council with a mix of Brutalist and Scandinavian-inspired low and high rises, the neighbourhood is one of the largest council estates in the UK.

A previous masterplan was scrapped in 2022 after a new local Labour administration decided the level of affordable housing was too low.

That plan would have demolished 288 homes and replaced them with 1,108 new homes, of which 261 would have been affordable.

The new plan will see 167 homes on the estate replaced with 614 new homes, of which more than 50% will be affordable.

The council said the ballot, which closed last week, is the largest of its kind in the UK, with more than 1,400 voting. According to Civica Election Services, the independent organisation that ran the ballot, 42% of eligible residents voted, with 82% supporting the plans.

Aydin Dikerdem, Wandsworth Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is a momentous day for the Alton. For too many years this estate has suffered from lack of investment, but now we have a clear decision from the people who live here that they want real change and we’re committed to delivering that.  

“I would like to thank everyone who voted in the ballot and made their voice heard – it was crucial that we asked you directly about the future of where you live so that we can work together to make this a better place for everyone. 

“We’re ready to start building affordable homes and better community facilities, so we’ll update residents soon on the next steps and how you can get involved.” 

The council will now move onto making more detailed plans before a planning submission next year.