Controversial plans to expand a primary school have been approved despite fierce campaigning by residents.

On Monday evening, Merton Council’s cabinet agreed to permanently double the number of children attending Dundonald Primary School in Wimbledon as part of an aggressive borough-wide expansion of primary schools.

A derelict pavilion on Dundonald Recreation Ground will be redeveloped to accommodate the new children, despite claims by Protect Dundonald Rec Campaign Group' that it is illegal to build on the park.

There followed months of political battle between supporters and opponents of the council’s plan, during which time the councillor in charge of education, Peter Walker, was accused of bringing the council into disrepute.

A public meeting also descended into farce in June when the Wimbledon Guardian was asked to leave for taking recordings and Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond said he was denied entry.

After the cabinet meeting on Monday, Coun Walker said: “I fully understand that local residents are concerned to protect the Rec.

"Let me say as a Dundonald resident and member of Friends of Dundonald, that I would not support any scheme that threatened the fabric of Dundonald Rec.”

“I believe that this expansion offers the chance to improve the facilities of the Rec as well as expand this much loved school at a time of deep financial cuts.

“I am also delighted that last night the Council endorsed its commitment to ensure that this development does not set a precedent for future building on the park.”

Lorraine Maries, chairman of the Protect Dundonald Rec Campaign Group, said the expansion may still not take place because it could be thrown out by the courts because of a legal covenant to protect the Rec, drawn up in 1893 by brothers John and James Innes.

She said: "Regrettably Merton Cabinet has decided to ignore our detailed, carefully reasoned objections, even though an overwhelming majority of local people are against building on the Rec.

“This is a long process which cannot possibly be completed before next summer. The Council will run out of time, but has no 'Plan B'.”

What do you think of the council's decision to expand Dundonald Primary School? Leave a comment below, call 020 8722 6335 or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.