A decision on a controversial planning application to build a concrete batching plant has been delayed after Wimbledon's MP asked for it to be postponed.

MP Stephen Hammond wrote to the chairman of the council's planning committee to ask it to consider postponing a decision on developer Express Concrete Ltd's plans to build a concrete batching plant on the eastern end of Waterside Way.

The site comprises a plot within a designated strategic industrial area.

It was due to be decided at a meeting of Merton Council's Planning Applications Committee on Thursday (October 19) with council officers recommending it gets the green light, but has now been withdrawn from the agenda.

But in a letter to councillor Linda Kirby, MP Stephen Hammond said he believed there were traffic surveys which 'contradict' the applicant's account and urged the council to postpone the meeting while it investigates.

Mr Hammond wrote: "This discrepancy could have serious environmental and traffic effects on [an] area which already has the second busiest junction on TfL numbers and there is another major development adding to traffic pressures."

The application has been brought before the Planning Applications Committee for determination due to the number of objections received.

The report addressed concerns from residents and local businesses about noise and air pollution, from cement dust and vehicle emissions. Some are also concerned about its close proximity to Garfield Primary School.

A petition with 108 signatories in objection to the scheme was submitted, along with 108 letters of representation.

The report acknowledged: “The area is already congested and polluted.

“Very large lorries would be used, thus increasing air pollution.”

The plans were opposed by The Wimbledon East Hillside Residents’ Association, Wimbledon Green Party and Clean Air Merton among others.

The location is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and Green Chain, which hold certain planning constraints.

Following the report, the plan was recommended by approval by council officers with a number of conditions.

Council officers suggested that the plan will generate noise and dust, but these impacts would be sufficiently mitigated through bag and cartridge filters.

Safeguards would be implemented to the ecological integrity of the adjacent Wandle River corridor.

The application demonstrated that traffic movements would not increase, with a limit of 90 movements per day from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The proposed development was also found to be a site for employment purposes.