Dundonald Park residents continue fight against 'ugly sister' extension of primary school

Residents fighting against plans to extend Dundonald Primary School say the proposed new building would be an 'ugly sister' next to the current beautiful Victorian building.

They say the 'industrial-styled' extension, which will replace the one-storey pavillion in Dundonald Park with a two-storey building, will have a 'devastating effect'.

And, they say that you only have to look at Wimbledon Chase Primary School extension to imagine the 'style' of the new building.

Campaigners from the Save Our Rec group - who are fighting to protect an 118-year-old covenant which states the park should be only used for sport and leisure - claim the plans will result in 2,612sqm loss of public space.

It is also feared that the bowling green will be halved in size or disappear altogether and the facilities for sports users will be reduced.

They say the council should not have sold the site of Wimbledon House School in Dorset Road and instead used that land for a new school.

Ernesto Pinto, from the Protect Dundonald Rec Committee, said residents need to keep up the pressure.

Already 2,112 people have signed a petition calling on Merton Council to respect the covenant.

And 61 per cent of residents have responded to a consultation saying they oppose any building on the recreation ground.

However, the council is running more consultations and the committee is now asking for people's financial support to help fund further legal challenges.

To see the plans click here or copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.merton.gov.uk/council/getinvolved/consultation/dundonald_pre-planning_consultation_for_website_2.12.11.pdf