Demand for school places in Norbury would be virtually impossible to meet if a housing development on the Natwest Sports Ground were approved, according to Croydon Council.

Residents and councillors say they are still extremely concerned about the probable impact on Norbury if Merton Council grants planning permission.

Croydon Council has already formally objected to two planning applications which would have seen housing on 50 per cent and 20 per cent of the 13 hectare land in Stanford Road.

Members of the plans sub-committee have opposed the third planning application submitted to Merton Council, adding that they were particularly concerned about the local traffic implications.

The new application proposes that 10 per cent of the land be developed, to include 57 houses, a children's play area and 15 sports pitches for the local community.

All three Norbury councillors and many residents say that is still not good enough.

And director of education, David Sands, said the development would result in an increased demand for school places that would be difficult to meet.

No measures have been proposed by the applicants to deal with this issue.

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