Sutton Council has started construction on 34 new council homes at Westmead Road in Carshalton, part of an ambitious programme to deliver more than 600 new council homes across the borough by 2028.
The new development represents more than local housing growth. Sutton accounted for 30 per cent of all new council home starts across London during the first half of 2025-26, placing the borough at the forefront of the capital's efforts to increase affordable housing stock.
Passivhaus Standards for Energy Efficiency
The Westmead Road homes are being built to Passivhaus standards, a rigorous energy efficiency certification that significantly reduces heating requirements and running costs for residents. Passivhaus construction emphasises high levels of insulation, airtight building envelopes, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
Sutton Council stated that building to these standards will ensure lower energy bills for future tenants while contributing to the borough's carbon reduction targets.
Broader Housing Programme
The Westmead Road project forms part of a wider council housebuilding initiative launched in response to sustained demand for affordable rented accommodation in the borough. With 600 homes planned by 2028, the programme represents one of the most significant council-led construction efforts in Sutton's recent history.
The council has emphasised that the developments are creating employment opportunities in construction and related trades. Alongside the housing programme, Sutton has launched Connect to Work, a five-year employment support programme managed by the South London Partnership. The scheme provides one-to-one assistance for residents with disabilities, health conditions, or complex challenges to secure employment.
Meeting Local Housing Need
The council's housing delivery focus comes as demand for affordable rented accommodation continues to outstrip supply across London. Sutton's position as the source of nearly one-third of London's new council home starts indicates the borough's relative success in securing funding and navigating planning processes compared to other London authorities.
The Westmead Road development site in Carshalton is situated within the London Borough of Sutton, approximately 10 miles south-southwest of Charing Cross. The borough had a population of 209,639 according to the 2021 census.
Construction at Westmead Road is expected to progress over the coming months, with completion anticipated as part of the phased delivery of the 600-home programme.