Plans to build a five storey block of flats on the former Emma Hamilton pub angers Wimbledon Chase residents

Plans to turn the former Emma Hamilton pub into a five storey block of flats, has dismayed Wimbledon Chase residents, who say the site will put extra pressure on oversubscribed schools.

Mother-of-two, Jo Flynn, one of the people campaigning against the plans, said it was extraordinary that Merton Council would allow the building of 57 flats when local schools are under such pressure.

Already Wimbledon Chase Primary School and Joseph Hood have expanded in the last couple of years and there are controversial proposals to expand Dundonald Primary School onto Dundonald Park.

Mrs Flynn said another major concern was the lack of proposed car parking spaces for the number of flats, which would also cause problems in nearby streets, where it is already difficult to park.

"The plans show that the building would come right up to the roadside. It's sheer greed on the part of the developers. They are absolutely maximising every square centimetre of the site," she said.

"It will overshadow the houses in the close behind the site and block out light in general. The flats above Tesco on Kingston Road are five storeys and it is too high in my opinion, more suitable for a town centre than a residential area.

"There are also issues of flooding in Wimbledon Chase, as well as a shortage of parking. With some three-bedroom flats proposed it is obvious it will attract families with cars not to mention the fact that there are a lack of school places already."

The plans also propose retail on the ground floor, however, Mrs Flynn said she would be concerned about the type of retail attracted to the site. While the Emma Hamilton hadn't been to everyone's taste, it was a community facility and it could have been a decent family pub in the right hands.

"We've lost a valuable community resource, which is such a shame."

Mrs Flynn said residents with concerns should write with their concerns to Jean Bennett at the London Borough of Merton, Merton Civic Centre, London  Road, Morden, SM4 5DX or e-mail her at jean.bennett@merton.gov.uk.

People should include the planning reference 12/P0071, their full name and postal address. The deadline for the comments are February 6. In particular the council will take notice of comments regarding height and mass of proposed building, loss of light and privacy, increased demand on schools and GPs and loss of community facilities with no plans to replace it.