Durnsford and Haydons Road is a mix of residential suburbs (to the north and south) and industrial uses (which dominate the centre of the postcode sector); Wimbledon Cemetery is also located in this area. The residential suburbs are along regular roads, and were built in the late Victorian period. The eastern boundary is represented by the River Wandle. The northern and southern parts of the postcode sector have small green recreation areas each, Durnsford Road Recreation Ground and South Park Gardens respectively. The north is more closely linked to Earlsfield across the river, with the closest high street being based there, whereas the south links to the Broadway at South Wimbledon, leading up to Wimbledon. Overall, the residential areas represent typical suburban London, with the River Wandle offering a nice public green space. The industrial area, however, separates the two areas, affecting the northern area more.

The Haydons Road area started really developing as the railway arrived and industry sprang up around the River Wandle, though there was already industry in the area since at least the time of the Domesday Book, when a corn mill was recorded. New roads and a shopping parade took over existing farm land, and All Saints Church soon followed. Industry still remains here today, though some outlier buildings, away from the main industrial complex, have been redeveloped into mixed-use developments.

The year 2003 saw two women and a man jailed for organising a brothel at 261a Haydons Road, which was being used as a ‘training centre’ for Thai women. The women would then be sent to other brothels or otherwise ‘sold’ to new owners.

The area is disjointed, which makes walking to the high street, particularly in the north where the residential areas are closer to the industrial park, railway lines and Wimbledon Cemetery, inconvenient. In the south, some areas can be very far from tube stations.

As per many industrial estates throughout London, Durnsford Road Industrial Area is in a constant flux of development, with new additions and closures being made to the park. Some of these improvements had to do with minimising the flood risk from the River Wandle, as well as mitigating historical contamination by industry in the area, including protecting local wildlife. Near to the industrial area, around Durnsford Road Recreational Grounds, it was announced that buildings will be demolished to make way for nearly 100 new flats in Wimbledon Park. But the cost to remove radioactive contamination from the site means just 8% of the 96 flats will be affordable. The proposal was given the green light by Merton Council, despite a great deal of objection against it by the local community.