Mitcham Common Conservators

Mitcham Common is managed and regulated by Mitcham Common Conservators who have been the legal custodians of the Common since 1891.

About the Conservators

The first Board of Conservators came about in 1891. At that time there was much opposition to the plundering of the Common’s resources such as gravel extraction and turf removal. At the forefront of this opposition was George Parker Bidder QC, who with support from local people lobbied for the Common to be protected. This led to the formation of the Board of Conservators, and there followed a set of bylaws particular to Mitcham Common.

The Board of Conservators is made up of 13 members nominated by the London Boroughs of Croydon, Merton and Sutton (4 each), and the City of London Corporation.

The Conservators meet quarterly to discuss management issues and other topics ranging from planning proposals on sites bordering the Common, to projects aimed at improving the Common. The reports are available online.

The Common is managed in accordance with a management plan.

Current Conservators

London Borough of Croydon
Councillor Simon Hoar
Councillor Timothy Godfrey
Councillor Tony Harris
Mr Derek Loughborough

London Borough of Merton
Councillor Diane Neil Mills
Councillor Barbara Mansfield
Councillor Ian Munn
Mr Paul Harper

London Borough of Sutton
Councillor Richard Bailey
Councillor John Leach
Dr Derek Coleman
Ms Dee Hyatt

Corporation of the City of London
Mr Michael Welbank

Quarterly Meeting Reports

Click to view a PDF of the Minutes: Conservators meeting, 31st January 2006

Click to view a PDF of the Agenda: Conservators meeting, 8th March 2006

Click to view Minutes of the Conservators meeting, 8th March 2006

Click to view Agenda of the Conservators meeting, 7th June 2006

Click to view Minutes of the Conservators meeting, 14th June 2006