Over the last few days, we have been delivering letters to hundreds of local residents encouraging them to have their say on the plans for a KFC to go on the old HSBC site in Cheam. You can see a copy of the letter we have been delivering below.
It is a shame that we’re in this situation at all. Only the Conservatives campaigned to keep HSBC open as it came so quickly after the closure of Lloyds and would leave the Village with only one last bank. Unfortunately it did close, but then we called for support to help a small or independent trader to open a shop here, or to consult residents on a brand they would like to see in the Village. However, no-one from the Lib Dem-run Council took this up and now we are facing yet another food outlet in Cheam.
As part of our plan to Unlock Sutton’s Potential, we pledge to be better for business in Sutton. This includes giving all our town centres a facelift, supporting small and independent traders, generate new investment into the Borough, create better jobs and provide one-hour of free parking in all town centres.
Following many conversations on the doorsteps and online, it is clear that the overwhelming majority of local residents are against these plans, but are keen to know that their voices will be heard by the Council.
That is why we are calling on the members of the Planning Committee to make sure they listen to residents when they come to decide on this application.
This isn't about what politicians want, it's about what you want. We believe local residents should be at the forefront of shaping their local community, so it is important that you have your say.
You can view and comment on the plans by logging onto https://fastweb.sutton.gov.uk/fastweb using the reference number A2017/78217. Alternatively you can write to the Planning Division at 24 Denmark Road, Carshalton, SM5 2JG, email them on [email protected] or call them on 020 8770 5070.
Some residents have raised concerns that the consultation end date keeps changing on the online planning portal. After speaking with the Planning Department, it was explained to us that this is because the end date updates to reflect the Council putting out various notices of the planning application. They have to give at least 21 days notice from the publication of each notification, so as the letter to residents, local paper advertising and signage on lamposts, etc, were put out on different days, the end date changed to reflect 21 days since the publication of the most recent notice.
However, the Council have said that they will accept representations after the 7th December as currently published on the online planning portal. They will take representations right up to the date of a decision.
The Council's planning officers have not yet come to a decision as to whether they will recommend this application for approval or refusal, but we will keep residents updated as we hear more.
If you have any questions or want to get more involved in our campaign, please get in touch by emailing [email protected], [email protected] or calling 020 8642 3791.
Kind Regards,
Eric Allen, Elliot Colburn, Councillor Holly Ramsey and Paul Scully MP
Your local Conservative team for Cheam