Residents have started a petition to remove a proposed four storey block of flats on a derelict site from an historic conservation area.

Merton Council gave the seal of approval for the former Kwik Fit in London Road, Mitcham, to be developed into 22 flats, car parking and space for shops or offices last month.

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

January 22: Residents "utterly let down" as council approve "damaging" plans to build flats on Mitcham Cricket Green Conservation Area

The Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage (MCGCH) group has voiced strong opposition to the plans and has set up a petition calling for the area to be re-classified so it is no longer in the Conservation Area.

So far 29 people have signed it.

They believe the new development will damage the Cricket Green Conservation Area and they say it is not fit to be included.

Wimbledon Times:

An artist's impression of what the flats will look like

The council's own policies state new developments in a conservation area should ‘preserve or enhance’ the area.

The petition will be presented to the council, calling on it to remove the development from the conservation zone.

The group is calling on anyone who shares their concerns to support the cause.

However, Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability regeneration said the current scheme is much better than the previous development.

An original development plan had already been approved by a planning inspector but was rejected by Merton which led to the new scheme being accepted by the Planning Committee.

Cllr Judge said: “The proposed building will be a vast improvement on the appearance of the current site. It should be noted that the independent and expert design review panel liked the scale and mass of the building, which was designed to respect and complement the surrounding buildings.

January 16: Controversial flats plan for former Kwik Fit site looms over historic Mitcham Cricket Green

“Merton’s design officers also supported the roof design and the use of complimentary, but contrasting brick colours, which they considered would preserve and enhance the character of the conservation area.”

The development will consist of 22 flats, car parking and residential floor space which could be used for cafes, shops or offices.

The area is within an Archaeological Priority Zone and it has also been earmarked for other possible re-developments at the Burn Bullock site, the nearby cricketers pub and at the former Mitcham fire station.

To sign the petition, go to change.org.