Plans to build new flats next to the site of a school in South Croydon would “destroy the community” according to a close neighbour.

Next Thursday (May 30), Croydon Council will make a decision on proposals to turn 11 Barham Road in South Croydon from a house into five self-contained flats.

Sonia Day moved to Croydon last year but thinks if the plans get the go-ahead it will ruin the family communities in the cul-de-sac.

She describes the plans as making the area “like a rabbit warren”.

“We moved to Croydon from Beckenham a year ago as it felt like a vibrant place to bring up a young family,” said the mum of two.

“Unfortunately the proposed development of converting this three-bed family home into five flats really showed Croydon Councils true colours, they’re  happy to chop these family homes up with no regard to the family communities it destroys. We’re gutted.”

Similar plans for the site, which is next to Howard Primary School, were refused back in November.

To address the concerns of the council, the applicant, Craig Budge, has made alterations to the layout of the flats to increase the size of two.

The plans are now recommended for approval by the council.

The development would include one and two-storey side and rear extensions as well as extending the existing basement and creating light wells at the back and front.

Ms Day added: “We won’t be able to sell our house to a family because who wants to live in a house attached to such a gross over-development?

“There is so much wrong with this proposal such as the bin storage being inadequate and right next to a busy school entrance, it will constantly be overflowing.”

There are no car parking spaces planned for the site but there would be a cycle store for eight bikes.

Part of the agreement would be to restrict people living in the flats from getting parking permits.

The plans received a total of 25 public objections, including one from MP for Croydon South Chris Philp.

They will be discussed by the council’s planning committee on Thursday, May 30.

The meeting will take place at Croydon Town Hall from 6.30pm.