Fears a 'giant transit camp' will turn parts of central Sutton into a slum hub are bubbling away after plans to build emergency short stay accommodation for more than 100 people were submitted.

The application seeks turn the former Oakleigh Care Home in Benhill Avenue into a homeless shelter.

Sutton Council said the project seeks to 'rectify the unacceptable situation' of homelessness.

Critics say this won't solve the borough's housing crisis and will result in young families living in cramped conditions on a semi-permanent basis.

Andrew Swales is chairman of the Oakleigh Care Home Steering group, which has members from site owners Tando Property Services, Sutton Borough Council and residents.

He said: "This area seems to be a dumping ground for the council.

"We've got the estates that have their own problems with drugs, drink and other antisocial problems, and there is a halfway house on this road for teenagers.

"When that first went in, there were all sorts of problems, drugs, noise and rubbish being left out the front.

"Now we've got this.

"It's just going to make things worse."

He felt the application 'crammed' too many people into too small a space.

The plan allows for 116 people in 43 units.

Mr Swales added: "The homes are designed to be 25 square metres for four people.

"That includes cooking, showers, sinks, toilet and sleeping.

"These are not flats, they are cubicles.

"There is going to be a high turnover as well, with people coming and going every 10 to 12 weeks, that will have a large impact on the area."

Paul Nathan, secretary of the Benhill Residents Association, said: "We are 100 per cent against it but Sutton Council won't listen.

"It's going to be used so the council doesn't have to put people up in bed and breakfasts.

"This is all just going to be pushed through without listening to any of the residents."

The consultation runs until October 10.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, chairman of the housing, economy and business committee, said: "The main reason for the project is to rectify the unacceptable situation of the council placing families who have been made homeless in emergency temporary accommodation outside the borough.

"This is often bed and breakfast accommodation which is unsuitable for families.

"It is expensive for the council and unsustainable for families seeking to maintain school places, employment or healthcare.

"We have involved residents early on to get their advice on the project. The changes are to the internal design of an existing building."