Defence Online

Merton’s planning committee has given the go-ahead to the transformation of 50 derelict garages and an area of underused land on the Ravensbury Estate in Mitcham, into a variety of 21 modern, well-designed homes.The redevelopment of the site will include replacing a small block of four flats and the creation of 14 new flats and seven houses where disused garages currently stand. Eighteen of the new homes will be categorised as affordable.After consulting with residents in neighbouring properties, the council and the applicant, Circle Housing, have taken into consideration the comments made around issues including design, environmental impact and how the new homes will sit with the current development.Green roofs will be integral to the new buildings and bat, bird and hedgehog boxes will be included to encourage local wildlife. Residents in the new homes will also benefit from cycle storage and parking places. Each new home will have a private outdoor space and communal garden and there are also plans for a new public square in Ravensbury Grove for the community to enjoy.Construction on the new homes is due to begin early 2017.