The Council of Sutton Council met on Monday 16 January 2023 to discuss several key issues, including the proposed demolition of historic buildings at the former Sutton Hospital site, the provision of newspapers in libraries, oversight of the South London Waste Partnership, and upcoming road schemes. Decisions were made regarding the demolition application and the provision of digital newspapers in libraries.

Demolition of Historic Buildings at Former Sutton Hospital Site

Councillor David Hicks questioned Councillor David Bartolucci, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, regarding the planning application (DM2022/02044) to demolish historic buildings at the former Sutton Hospital site in Belmont. These buildings are the last remnants of the area's Victorian social history and were intended for retention and enhancement in the Council's Cancer Hub Master Plan. Councillor Hicks expressed concern that the demolition application would not be subject to public scrutiny by the Planning Committee and questioned whether commercial interests were being prioritised over council policies and Local Plan Objective 22 or Policy 30.

Councillor Bartolucci responded that while the 2016 Development Framework suggested exploring the adaptation and integration of these buildings, independent consultants advised that they could not be upgraded to meet modern life science space requirements. He stated that a revised site plan, presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 14 February 2022, showed that demolition was necessary to accommodate the proposed hospital and other planned developments, ensuring the quality of place and delivery of the London Cancer Hub Vision. Councillor Bartolucci confirmed that the Council had followed the appropriate process for the demolition approval application and that objections were being considered. He explained that the buildings are not identified as a heritage asset in the Local Plan and have limited heritage value due to extensive alterations in the 1950s. Crucially, he stated that as this is a stand-alone application for prior approval for demolition only, the Council, as the Local Planning Authority, does not engage with Development Plan policy because the application only seeks approval of the demolition methodology, not development itself. Therefore, concerns about retention and integration are not relevant material planning considerations. Councillor Bartolucci also noted that pausing demolition would impact the Council's ability to secure an investor and posed a significant risk to the London Cancer Hub Vision. A decision on the application is expected once responses to consultee comments have been submitted and considered.

Provision of Newspapers in Libraries

Alfred Kessler raised a question regarding the non-restoration of printed newspapers in the borough's libraries following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. He highlighted the importance of this service for older residents who may not have smartphones.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, explained that by offering newspapers in digital format, the council can provide more choice and save money. He stated that prior to the pandemic, Sutton Libraries offered only two printed newspapers per library. The move to digital access now provides residents with access to 11,218 magazine and newspaper titles, including all British daily newspapers (except The Sun, Financial Times, and The Times) and a wide range of international publications. Councillor Lewis noted that this aligns with national trends, as 70% of libraries within the Libraries Consortium, which Sutton leads, offer only digital access. He mentioned that customer surveys conducted in 2022 were being collated and would be shared in early February. Data from December 2022 showed significant digital usage, with 13,107 newspapers and magazines downloaded, including 9,123 newspapers. The council is also making Hublets (A4 tablets) available in Sutton Central, Wallington, and Circle Libraries to facilitate access to digital resources. Councillor Lewis concluded that moving from hard copy to digital newspapers has resulted in a 50% cost saving, while continuing to focus on delivering a modern service and supporting customers less familiar with technology.

Oversight of the South London Waste Partnership

Councillor Patrick Magnus questioned Councillor Barry Lewis regarding the oversight of the South London Waste Partnership (SLWP) performance within the Sutton Council committee structure. He pointed out that only representatives from the ruling Liberal Democrats sit on the Joint Waste Committee (JWC), which oversees the SLWP, and that this lack of broader representation prevents scrutiny and debate on the incineration agreement, a contentious issue in the borough. Councillor Magnus argued that relying solely on elected representatives on the JWC does not adequately address the concerns of residents in wards closest to the incinerator, which have not elected Liberal Democrat councillors.

Councillor Barry Lewis responded that the SLWP is a formal joint committee established under the Local Government Act 1972, involving Croydon, Merton, Sutton, and Kingston. He stated that SLWP meetings are open to the public and covered by the same provisions as meetings of the participating boroughs. Councillor Lewis explained that the SLWP's responsibilities are wide-ranging and strategic, covering all relevant boroughs, and therefore it is appropriate for membership to consist of Executive (Cabinet) members or committee leads, a practice followed by other participating boroughs. He also noted that the Energy Recovery Facility is a private commercial facility licensed by the Environment Agency. Councillor Lewis concluded that members are subject to scrutiny through various means, including questions to Council and political debate, and that waste policy matters are addressed by the Council's Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee and Full Council.

Road Schemes in the Pipeline

Councillor Patrick Magnus enquired about road schemes planned for specific roads before 2026, including Plough Lane, Purley; Sandy Lane South; Great Woodcote Park; The Newlands; Ingleby Way; Apeldoorn Drive; Mollison Drive; Foresters Close; and Sprucedale.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of the Council, stated that the proposed TfL-funded highways programme for 2023-2025 includes an area-wide project for the Foresters Drive Corridor, which was agreed by the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee in December 2022. She noted that Councillor Magnus attended this meeting as a substitute member and participated in the discussion. The Foresters Drive scheme aims to reduce traffic speed and improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. While the roads listed in the question fall within the project area, no specific proposals have been identified at this stage, with the exception of Mollison Drive. Following a request from the Beddington and Wallington Local Committee, proposals are being developed to install additional signs and road markings (20mph roundels) in Mollison Drive to reinforce the existing 20mph speed limit. Councillor Dombey added that any consequent proposals, following detailed traffic and safety investigations, will be reviewed with ward councillors and subject to further consultation with local residents before progressing.