Residents came together to grill developers over plans to build a block of flats for 300 students in Norbiton.

Property developers AK II Property Investments have applied to Kingston Council for permission to build a seven storey accommodation block on the former site of the Duke’s Tavern Pub, on the edge of the Cambridge Road estate in Norbiton.

But estate residents have raised concerns over a potential rise in anti-social behaviour, due to the large influx of students.

On Tuesday, at Queen Mary’s Hall on the Cambridge Gardens estate – opposite the proposed development site – developers came face to face with their critics.

Speaking after the meeting, Jill Preston, chairman of the Cambridge Road Estate community group, said: “It went on for about an hour and a half - I think it was a positive thing for the community.

“Of course they [students] are going to let their hair down a bit, and nobody is saying that is wrong.

“But three hundred in one place is too many.”

In its submission to the council, AK II pledges to contribute £100,000 for improvements on the two estates, to be agreed by residents.

The developer also promises to give priority to estate residents for the 20 full and part time jobs it expects the shops to create.

A new play area with rubberised surfaces, an artificial sports pitch and new seating for residents would also be built.