A new ‘pocket park’ could open in South London, after a petition signed by 279 residents. Swaffield Pocket Park, in Earlsfield, would have new plants, benches and play equipment under the plans from Wandsworth Council.
The plans would see the former Brocklebank Nursery on Swaffield Road, which shut in 2020, demolished to make way for the park. A new path would lead through the park connecting its two public entrances, while it would have new plants, play equipment, bird and bat boxes, benches, bins and signs.
The council investigated the possibility of replacing the old nursery with a park after Labour councillor Denise Paul presented a petition from residents of Swaffield Road at a meeting in March last year. The petition, signed by 279 residents, requested the creation of a children’s playground on the site for families to enjoy.
The authority finalised the proposed design of the park after consulting with residents on what they would like it to include. It has set aside a budget of £400,000 to create the park.
Application documents said: “This will create a place that enhances health and wellbeing of the local community and provides doorstep play. The proposed new pocket park here would have entrance gates on self closers at both public entrances, would protect and include the mature trees, and would include surfaces that aid sustainable drainage. Secure access to the residential properties surrounding the park will be retained.”
The park would be managed by the council’s grounds maintenance contractor. The council will decide on the plans in due course.
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