Nearly 200 people have objected to a planning application that will demolish two Victorian houses to build a block of flats.

The buildings to be demolished in Hartfield Road, South Wimbledon are described in the application as two family sized Victorian houses, with two gardens.

The proposed three storey block will contain four flats with two bedrooms, three flats with one bedroom and one studio flat.

194 representations, including a petition signed by 158 residents, were received by planning officers.

Objectors say that the design is "completely out of character with the area", would "destroy the symmetry" of the road and is "out of scale" with the area.

The proposed new development is less than half a mile from Merton Hall, which recently threw off an application objected to by residents and campaigners on similar grounds.

Wimbledon Times:
Another view of the proposed development

Developers say that the existing pair of houses are of "little architectural merit" and that there are no objections to the actual demolition of the buildings, but only for a satisfactory replacement.

They say that although a contemporary design, the proposed building would have a "similar eaves and ridge height to neighbouring buildings". There is also a mixture of architectural style on the road, planning officers say, and there is "no objection to the contemporary design adopted for the proposed building."

The application will be discussed at this month's planning meeting on Thursday, May 25.

Details can be found on the Merton Council planning portal using the application number 16P1139.

What do you think of the plans? Email Adela at: adela.whittingham@newsquest.co.uk