What was said about SDEN, and what the documents show

SDEN (Sutton Decentralised Energy Network Ltd) is a heat-network company wholly owned by the London Borough of Sutton. This site collects what SDEN and the Council have said in public documents, sets it beside what later documents record, and links to the originals so you can judge for yourself.

How to read this site. Facts carry a source and a tag: Verified seen in a primary document; Likely supported but not fully confirmed; Unverified heard or reported but not confirmed. Views are marked Opinion. We do not say anyone acted dishonestly. Where a statement does not match the documents we say so, and quote both.

In brief (as at 24 October 2026)

SDEN was incorporated on 23 February 2016. The Council is its only shareholder. Verified
Sources: S1
It supplies heat and hot water to about 805 homes at New Mill Quarter, Hackbridge. Verified
Sources: S3, S12
Planned extension to the Lavenders estate (Clarion, about 348 homes): the Council's own March 2026 plan says the planning application was not yet submitted and heat is forecast from mid 2027. Verified
Sources: S3
Heat from the Beddington energy recovery facility (Viridor, up to 15 MW) is forecast from 1 April 2027. Today the main heat source is landfill-gas engines with gas back-up. Verified
Sources: S3
Planning reference for the heat-pipe extension: not yet confirmed. We will not show a reference until we have seen it on the Council's planning register. Unverified

Start here

What SDEN said v what happened18 statements and forecasts, each with source. TimelinePromised dates against actual dates. DocumentsFollow links to the originals. How to comment on a planning applicationNeutral, step by step, whichever side you take. Frequently asked questionsWho runs SDEN, where the heat comes from, and more. Key facts and figures16 figures with sources and tags.

Planning applications for the extension

Whether you support or object, you are entitled to comment on a planning application. Comments are most useful when they address planning matters. See How to comment. This site does not tell you what to think and does not accept or publish comments on applications.

This site is independent of Sutton Council and SDEN Ltd. It is not operated, funded or approved by either.