The majority of community life is situated in the eastern region of Sutton, a large town in the south of greater London, revolving around Carshalton Road, the area’s high street. It is a neighbourhood with a rich history and close-knit community, which gathers regularly for local festivals and celebrations. This particular neighbourhood is mostly made up of post-war semi-detached and terraced houses, which are primarily occupied by families. The inclusion of Outstanding-rated Sutton Grammar School, and a plethora of public spaces, including Benhill and The Warren Recreation Ground, makes their predominance all the more understandable. Lively, welcoming and friendly: east Sutton is a great reflection of its community.

Sutton’s history begins in the Neolithic period, when the earliest human activity in the area seemed to emerge. However, being dominated by a largely unpopulated agrarian community, it was considered unremarkable for several medieval centuries as it was merely passed from royals and elites. It was only when the route from Brighton to London became more established in the 1700s that Sutton began to get a notorious reputation. A reputation for highwaymen. Stagecoaches trotted with a fear of being robbed blind by immoral highwaymen looking for a thrill and a buck; however, the stagecoach station reputation did also bring with it the economic and community growth to the area. By the time the railways arrived in the town in 1847, its population doubled in a decade, and what was once a village grew into a beautiful blossoming town.

A well-loved local road amongst residents is Lind Road. The street was named after famous Swedish opera singer Johanna Maria Lind, who sang to locals in 1847 during a one-off trip to Sutton. Seduced and mesmerised by her beautiful voice, residents looked to honour her by bestowing her name to their beloved street.

Locals are concerned about the rising demand for housing as London’s tentacles reach ever further, whilst others fret about the declining health of the local high street, which is at risk of falling into despondency. Other noted issues that have been raised include lack of well-paid local jobs, leaving a brain drain on the community, and the supply of transport for local youth.

Redevelopment is occurring in some key spots in eastern Sutton, namely Manor Park and Throwley Way. In 2021, MSMR Architects and developer Paradigm Land successfully achieved planning permission for the design of a comprehensive re-development in Sutton town centre, on land facing Manor Park. Sutton Park House will deliver 149 apartments with a mix of sizes and tenures. 46 of these units will be affordable, with 33 Shared Ownership homes and 13 provided at affordable rent prices. Additionally, Elm Grove Estate has been selected for regeneration, and further consultations were held with residents in 2021.