The Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to discuss Merton's regeneration projects, the council's response to the housing crisis through the reopening of its Housing Revenue Account, and performance monitoring reports. The panel was also set to review progress on various council initiatives and consider the forward work programme.

Merton Regeneration

The panel was scheduled to review the progress of several regeneration projects across the borough. This included an update on the High Path masterplan, which aims to deliver up to 2,272 homes, alongside retail, leisure, and community spaces, with a focus on a new neighbourhood park and a car-free development approach. Progress on Phase 1, which saw 134 homes completed in 2022, was noted, with ongoing redesigns for Phases 2 and 3 to incorporate building safety requirements and increase affordable housing. Phases 4-7 also had a revised outline planning application approved for up to 1,651 homes.

The Eastfields masterplan, which proposes up to 800 homes and retail/community space, was also on the agenda. Phase 1A was completed in May 2025, with Phase 1C main works due to complete in Summer 2027. Phases 2 and 3, for 610 homes, were also being reviewed for redesign to incorporate new building safety requirements.

The Ravensbury masterplan, aiming for 200 homes with a high proportion of affordable housing and a new community centre, was scheduled for discussion. Phases 1 and 2, providing 21 and 54 replacement homes respectively, were complete and occupied. Updates to designs for Phases 3 and 4 were underway to comply with building regulations and flood risk modelling.

Additionally, the panel was to receive updates on the Station Road, Colliers Wood development, which will provide 98 social rented homes and commercial space, and the Majestic Way, Mitcham redevelopment, intended to deliver 249 social rented homes and retail/community space, serving as a decant option for residents within the wider regeneration programme.

Housing Revenue Account and Housing Associations

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the council's response to the housing crisis. The panel was to note the decision taken by Cabinet on 24th November 2025 for the Council to become a stock-holding authority and reopen its Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This decision stems from the recognition of market failure in the housing development sector, leading the Council to take a more direct role in development and acquisition. The report highlighted the growing need for affordable housing in Merton, with over 10,000 households on the housing register and a significant increase in homelessness and temporary accommodation. The council's strategy includes developing new affordable housing on council land, acquiring properties from the private market for affordable housing and temporary accommodation, and re-establishing the HRA by April 2027.

The panel was also scheduled to discuss housing associations, specifically Clarion and Wandle. Updates were expected on Clarion's compliance with gas and electricity safety regulations, their processes for working with leaseholders, and their complaint prioritisation system. The report noted Clarion's efforts to improve their Quality Checking service and their engagement with residents. For Wandle, the agenda included a review of their member enquiries service and progress on works to balconies at St. Helier. The panel was to consider a recommendation for housing associations to develop a proactive annual door-knocking session process.

Performance Monitoring and Quarterly Reports

The panel was scheduled to review performance monitoring reports for Quarter 3 of the 2025-26 financial year. This included updates on the Environment, Civic Pride and Climate portfolio, covering areas such as anti-social behaviour cases, CCTV camera upgrades, domestic abuse survivor support, litter and cleansing standards, tree numbers, electric vehicle charging points, library usage, and household waste recycling rates. Performance for waste collection services, including missed bins and quality of service delivery by Veolia, was to be presented, alongside grounds maintenance performance by Idverde and tree services by Barkland Tree Services.

The Housing and Sustainable Development portfolio performance was also on the agenda. This included updates on the number of new homes delivered, major and minor planning application determination times, and the number of households in temporary accommodation and homelessness preventions. The report indicated that Merton is a top-performing council for homelessness prevention.

Action Log and Work Programme

The panel was to review the Action Log, which monitors the progress of previous recommendations. Finally, the Work Programme for the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel for 2025/26 was to be discussed, allowing for the review of ongoing scrutiny activities and the consideration of new items for future meetings. This included planned discussions on budget and business planning, anti-social behaviour, and further reviews of housing association performance.