Controversial plans to expand a primary school into a public recreation ground have suffered another setback after objections were reinstated by Sport England.

In January Sport England gave ‘conditional approval’ to a plan to expand Dundonald Primary, which would result in the loss of a bowling green, but gain a multi use games area, tennis courts, playground and outdoor gym.

However the organisation has since reinstated its objections after it was "unable to reach an agreement" with Merton Council.

Lorraine Maries, chairwoman of Protect Dundonald Rec (PDR) who has been campaigning against the plans, said: "According to the council, the community is getting an improved pavilion.

"But the pavilion, which will be 50 per cent smaller and have insufficient toilets and changing rooms, will be out of bounds to sports users during the week - so no cricket, football or tennis during the week and no community use during the day.

"We don’t agree that this is a good deal."

The setback comes just two weeks after Merton Council won a case at an upper tribunal to allow restrictions imposed by a historic covenant protecting the land to be amended so that work could get underway.

Councillor Martin Whelton, cabinet member for education, said: "The council is in the process of finding the appropriate legal mechanism to enshrine the community use agreement with Sport England.

"We are in dialogue with Sport England and hope that a resolution can be found which recognises the interests of the school and their use of the tennis courts."