Tempers flared as councillors discussed plans to build flats on the site of existing sheltered accommodation in Sutton town centre.

Residents at Beech Tree Place in St Nicholas could be asked to move out to make way for more than 100 new flats.

On Monday night, Sutton Council discussed the plans to replace the current 21 properties with 115 flats. All residents would be offered a place to live in the new development.

Cllr Jayne McCoy, chair of the council’s housing, economy and business committee, said the plans come as part of the council’s housing strategy, agreed in 2011, to increase affordable housing in the borough.

She added: “This will directly impact the people living at Beech Tree Place.

“It will allow them to move in to new homes on the same site.

“The homes will be designed to be adaptive as the residents age.”

She went on to say the new homes would help to reduce the waiting list for council housing.

“The average waiting time is about five years that is a very long time if you are over-crowded or in temporary accommodation with an uncertain future,” said Cllr McCoy.”

Cllr Lily Bande told the meeting that residents at Beech Tree Place were becoming anxious about their future, and she asked questions about the future appointment of an independent advisor to work with residents.

“This is not about regeneration, it is about how we treat our most vulnerable residents,” she said. “We have had 20 months of engagement without the presence of an independent advisor.

“How can we know the residents that have opted out of being rehoused have done so willingly without this? This insults our intelligence and this isn’t the process promised in residents’ engagement.

“It has left residents feeling intimidated and anxious. The regeneration team might smile when they visit, but residents feel threatened.

“People may forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel intimidated and anxious with a loss of hope. Think about it.”

But Cllr McCoy hit back saying that a narrative was being built on ‘unfounded allegations’ and added that an independent advisor can not be appointed until official consultation is underway.

“We think the residents living in poor housing deserve a better home,” she finished.

“There is no vested interest in regeneration for the council, it is difficult, expensive  and time consuming but it is the right thing to do.

“Do the right thing and vote in support of consulting with residents of Beech Tree Lodge.”

The green light to consult residents on the plans was first given by the Housing Economy and Business Committee on October 15.

Votes in favour of this at Sutton’s full council meeting on Monday backed this. The meeting took place at Wallington County Grammar.