A multi-million pound expansion of Roehampton University has hit resistance after plans were revealed to build around an 18th century stately home.

The university masterplan includes a £48m redevelopment of the Digby Stuart College Campus, Roehampton Lane, as well as new student accommodation on the grounds of Downshire House.

A planning document, submitted to Wandsworth Council, lists proposals to create 210 student rooms in three new buildings up to five storeys high next to the Grade II listed building, in Roehampton Lane.

On the Digby Stuart College Campus there will be a new library and 400 student bedrooms, which the university is still seeking a tender for.

The plans could also see a new academic building in fellow 18th century hall Froebel College, while a sports pavilion would be created in place of the Michaelis and Olive Garnett buildings.

It is also hoped the expansion will create employment opportunities and urgently needed affordable accommodation for students.

A planning document said: "The masterplanning work undertaken is offered as the means by which to achieve some coherence across the estate and so to unite the heritage and environment of the separate colleges into one single campus, something previous studies had not managed to do."

The plans have provoked concerns from neighbours worried about the affect of the building work on the gardens of Downshire House.

Located in the Alton West conservation area, the estate was built in 1770 and was once occupied by the Marquess of Downshire.

Queen Mary's Place Residents Association is opposing the plan and objections have been written to the council.

Thomas Howard, 28, of Holford Way, Roehampton, said: "We already have issues with late night noise from some of the students. We get a lot of students going up and coming back late at night singing and shouting.

"Downshire House is a grade II listed building and Alton West conservation area is a very open and green spaces, there is almost a semi rural feeling to it.

"Heritage like Downshire House, once they are gone or there is development, is changed forever. It would be a real tragedy if this development were to proceed."

John Ewing, president of the Putney Society, said: "The plans submitted by Roehampton University would swamp Downshire House and lose forever the visual impact of a building that was meant to stand apart and dominate the landscape."

A building document said: "The development of the site will secure the long term future of Downshire House and protect and enhance its remaining historic significance.

"Works will be carried out to the principal building, internally and externally, following the preparation of a conservation plan, as a later phase of the site’s development."