Alton estate says Yes to better future in ground-breaking ballot

In the largest regeneration ballot of its kind, over 1,400 residents voted on plans for up to 650 new homes, together with a new library, GP surgeries, youth facilities, Family Hub, improved shops, green spaces and access around the estate.

Aydin Dikerdem, Wandsworth Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is a momentous day for the Alton. For too many years this estate has suffered from lack of investment, but now we have a clear decision from the people who live here that they want real change and we’re committed to delivering that.

“I would like to thank everyone who voted in the ballot and made their voice heard – it was crucial that we asked you directly about the future of where you live so that we can work together to make this a better place for everyone. We’re ready to start building affordable homes and better community facilities, so we’ll update residents soon on the next steps and how you can get involved.”

The council will now move to the next stage in finalising the detailed plans to build better community facilities and high-quality affordable new homes, with major repairs to some existing blocks.

Central to the scheme is our plan to build family-sized homes prioritised for Alton residents experiencing overcrowding. The ballot will enable us to bring GLA grant into the scheme, helping us to deliver our target of over 50 per cent affordable housing.

Why residents voted yes

Angus, a resident in Alton East said: “I voted yes because the long overdue proposals to improve the Alton much better reflect the needs of the residents of the estate.”

Mick, a resident living in Alton's Tangley Grove, said: “I’ve lived on the Alton for over 50 years, and I voted yes because something needs to change.” 

Alton Renewal Plan

Council rents are set boroughwide and we guarantee this will continue, so this means your rent will not go up as a direct result of the regeneration scheme.  

Development will be phased to do the work in the best order to reduce noise and disruption.

The ballot follows more than a year of improvements across the estate delivered by the council as part of the Alton Renewal Plan. These include opening the Roehampton Family Hub, bringing more events and the council’s annual jobs fair to Roehampton this year, installing outdoor murals designed and painted by residents, expanding the community mini-bus service and resurfacing roads and pavements.

Local MP Fleur Anderson said: “This is fantastic news for our community. Alton residents have waited far too long for the investment they deserve, and I am delighted that they have now had their say and backed these plans so strongly. The ‘Yes’ vote is a clear message that people want change - new homes, better health facilities, modern community spaces and a revitalised shopping parade. This is a huge step forward!”

About the ballot

The residents’ ballot closed yesterday (16 October) and was run independently by Civica Election Services, following rules set by the Greater London Authority (GLA). Civica will now write directly to residents to formally confirm the ballot result.

Civica received responses from 41.5% of the 3,395 residents who were eligible to vote in the ballot between 22 September and 16 October. 82.4% voted ‘yes’, 17.6% voted ‘no’ and 3 ballot papers were invalid.