Sutton firm's Wallington site faces new hearing over green belt concerns

A five-year dispute over a tree surgery and landscaping company's operations on designated green belt land in Wallington is heading for a new public inquiry. South East Tree Care (SETC) has been operating at the 268 Woodcote Road site since late 2020, leading to complaints from local residents and activists about dust, noise, and heavy vehicle traffic.

Sutton Council issued an enforcement notice in April 2026 requiring SETC to cease forestry operations and remove various structures, including a caravan and a gym, from the site. The notice cited alleged planning breaches and degradation of the metropolitan green belt land.

Resident and activist concerns

Residents have reported significant changes to the site since SETC began operations, transforming former fields into an area with processing operations, a gym, and a caravan. Activists from the Sutton Green Party have documented environmental concerns, including the destruction of hedgerows and wildlife habitats, and argue that the company's waste processing activities are damaging the green belt. During a site visit, large vehicles were seen unloading timber waste, emitting plumes of dust. Residents have also expressed concerns about dust reaching nearby homes and the safety implications of frequent heavy goods vehicle movements on Woodcote Road, with one resident recalling an incident where an HGV allegedly mounted the pavement.

Enforcement history and parliamentary attention

Sutton Council's attempts to enforce planning regulations have faced several challenges. The council issued its first enforcement notice in February 2024, but SETC appealed, and a subsequent public inquiry in October 2024 saw the notice quashed. The planning inspector ruled that the council had failed to properly describe the unauthorised mixed use in its notice. A subsequent notice issued in October 2025 was withdrawn in March 2026, with parties disputing the reasons for its withdrawal. The ongoing situation was raised in Parliament by Bobby Dean, the MP for Carshalton and Wallington, who questioned the level of proof required for action against the site.

Next steps in the legal process

SETC has appealed the most recent enforcement notice, arguing that the site comprises separate businesses and seeking 12 months to relocate. The company has also initiated a High Court judicial review against Sutton Council, alleging procedural failings. The Planning Inspectorate has scheduled a three-day public inquiry to begin on September 22, and has declined to pause the appeal while the court considers permission for the judicial review. Sutton Council stated that it would be inappropriate to comment due to the live enforcement case.