Concerns have been raised about the wildfire risk at Beddington Farmlands, a former landfill site undergoing restoration into a nature reserve. Councillors discussed the issue during a Sutton Council Housing, Economy and Business Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Simon Shellcraft, Planning Enforcement Manager, and David Warburton, Senior Biodiversity Officer, presented an update on the revised restoration plan for the 88.4-hectare site. They explained that the plan, which has been approved by the planning committee, includes measures to mitigate wildfire risks. These measures include the installation of an additional fire hydrant, as recommended by the fire brigade, and the management of grasslands to prevent the build-up of thatch, which can act as a fuel source. Beyond gas wells, the site contains other flammable elements, and the access strategy will be key to managing these risks.
The revised plan replaces the previously proposed acid grasslands with species-rich lowland meadow and mandates phased delivery by 2029, with long-term monitoring. A new 900-square-meter agricultural building will also be constructed for conservation grazing and equipment storage.
Councillor Alison Long raised concerns about balancing public access with the site's primary function as a nature reserve, particularly regarding the east-west path. Officers explained that the access strategy is an outline plan, and detailed proposals will be developed to ensure a staged approach to habituating wildlife to human presence, with strict controls on activities like barbecues. The strategy aims to ensure safe vehicle and pedestrian access while balancing public enjoyment with wildlife protection, establishing a clear network of routes including year-round shared paths and specific permissive loops.
The long-term monitoring plan for Beddington Farmlands includes regular monitoring reports from a qualified ecologist, with a biodiversity net gain aspect requiring a minimum of 30 years of monitoring. The revised planning application provides greater powers to enforce delivery and monitor progress. Monitoring will be conducted on an annual basis, with reports submitted before November 1st. The Conservation Access Management Committee (CMC) will also play a key role in reviewing monitoring reports and ensuring conditions are met. Further details on the restoration plan can be found in the Update to appendix A Restoration map.
The meeting agenda and public reports pack can be accessed via the Sutton Council website: Agenda frontsheet and Public reports pack.