Foreword and introduction

Merton's new Local Plan

We are creating a new Local Plan to provide a sound basis for planning decisions.  

We know how important good planning decisions are for Merton residents, as they impact on the appearance of the local environment and how people use it. At the same time, it is in the interest of all who live and work in Merton to attract new talent and new business to enhance the borough's resilience to external change, sustain a buoyant long-term economy and ensure a quality built environment for generations to come. 

The plan is designed to help guide how the borough develops over time and create a vision that enables the council to successfully and responsibly manage growth, while always ensuring the best interests of the borough, its residents and businesses. Merton is rich in assets and the opportunities they inevitably create. It is a place ripe for sustained economic success, and the Local Plan will mean that for years to come there will be a sound and consistent approach to ensuring a bright future for the borough and all who live and work here. 

We have all spent more time in our neighbourhoods this year and we can all appreciate the difference between having a quality environment to live, work and relax in and how being cut-off from our friends and family can mean that a poor environment, with no or limited access to local goods, good quality homes, services and green spaces can have a severely detrimental impact on our mental and physical wellbeing.  

Now, more than ever, we need to think about people, places and placemaking.

Adoption November 2024

• Merton Local Plan Chapter 1a Introduction

Local Plan Publication Stage 3 – 22 July to 6 September 2021

• New Local Plan Stage 3: Introduction

For more information please email us at future.merton@merton.gov.uk or phone us at 020 8545 3837