Residents have condemned the "devastating" decision by last night's planning committee to grant permission for a block of flats on a historic conservation site in Mitcham.

The historic Mitcham Cricket Green will soon be sharing space with two blocks of flats after planning permission for the old Kwik Fit was granted, opposite the Burn Bullock pub in London Road.

The meeting has allowed for a three and four storey block of 22 flats, car parking and non-residential floor space – which could be used for a café, shop or offices – to be built on the Conservation Area.

Controversial flats plan for former Kwik Fit site looms over historic Mitcham Cricket Green

The area is within the Mitcham Cricket Green Conservation Area and is an Archaeological Priority Zone.

The Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage (MCGCH) group has voiced strong opposition to the plans, based on concerns over the effect to the Conservation area, its design and “jagged roof design”, parking provision and the impact of this and other developments planned in the small area.

Wimbledon Times:

An artist's impression of the development on the Kwik Fit site

Trustee of the MCGCH, Tony Burton, said: “This is a devastating decision for Cricket Green. It will blight the historic cricket ground and overshadow the homes of local residents for generations to come.

“We feel utterly let down by local councillors who say they care for the Conservation Area and then support damaging new development.

“Given the amount of new development in the pipeline for Cricket Green, we can only hope this is an aberration and not a precedent for things to come.”

A council spokesperson said: “We looked carefully at the proposals and are content that the applicant has demonstrated in their application due consideration for the surrounding area.

"The proposed buildings are of a good quality design and of a suitable height and appearance which will complement the Cricket Green conservation Area.

"We have insisted that that the applicant also submit a travel plan for approval, so we can be sure that any impact on parking in neighbouring areas should be minimised.”

Another planning application is due to be officially submitted soon to build 11 flats at the nearby Cricketers pub. It will be the fifth attempt by developers to file a suitable plan.

Other works in the area include possible re-development on the Burn Bullock site, and the likelihood of the former Mitcham fire station soon going on the market.

What do you think of the plans? Comment below or email us on letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk