Shed alert! Planned ditch works

The London Borough of Merton (Merton) plans works on ditches on the Site, in two phases. First, Phase 1 would affect part of the ditch (in red on the map) that flows downhill from north to south, south of the Site's west-east road and leaving the Site at its south-western corner. Later, Phase 2 would affect the rest of that ditch (in blue) north of the road and entering the Site to the west of the northern gate.

Merton anticipates that the works would involve the removal of up to a tonne of material from the Site and will use equipment that needs access to a 2-metre wide strip along the bank of the ditch.

Phase 1 works would affect the back of plots 8A, 10A to 46A, 48, 50A, 52A, 54, and 56A to 78A. Merton has identified that some of these plots have sheds (or other structures) that are within 2 metres of the ditch and which would block equipment. Merton intend to contact affected plot holders soon, with a view to preparing for the works. Merton seeks to start Phase 1 in early February 2026.

Phase 2 works would similarly affect the back of Plots 86A, 88A to 92A, 94, 96A, 98, 113A and 113B. Merton seeks to start Phase 2 in Autumn 2026.

Merton has provided some details of its plans to the Management Committee, including a list of plots with sheds close to the ditch. A motivation for the works is to reduce the risk of surface water flooding on the Site and in its neighbourhood (link).

The Committee is aware that some affected plot holders are concerned about the loss of use of the back strip of their plot, the logistics of moving sheds, or the consequences of removing sheds that cannot be moved. The Committee is liaising with Merton to ensure that it is fully aware of those concerns.