Merton Hall Will Not Become A Listed Building

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Decision disappoints campaigners fighting against redevelopment

Merton Hall in South Wimbledon, which is set for a controversial redevelopment, will not be listed by Historic England.

Last year Merton Council agreed plans to redevelop the Victorian building in Kingston Road to enable the existing Elim Church in High Path to move in. This would then enable the new Harris Wimbledon Academy to be built on the High Path estate.

A number of community groups protested against the plans last year, with 351 letters of objection being received by the council as well as a petition with more than 3,000 signatures.

But now campaigner Sara Sharp has heard that Historic England has decided not to give the hall listed building status, and this has been backed by the Department of Media, Culture and Sport.

Earlier this month, a council scrutiny panel reviewed the council's decision without making any changes.

A judicial review against Merton Council's decision, due to take place on January 18, was withdrawn. It had received nearly £5,000 in crowdfunding donations towards the legal bid.

Sara Sharp said: "The case for the judicial review which hinged on the listing was hugely diminished and after discussions with my legal team, on advice, I reluctantly had to withdraw my claim."

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January 19, 2018