Controversial plans to build a new school in Wimbledon have been approved.

Last night Merton Council's planning committee met to discuss plans to build a Harris Academy near a site identified by mayor of London Sadiq Khan as one of the 50 most polluted schools in London.

After more than two hours and in front of a full house, the committee voted in favour of the plans.

This came as a delight to Joanne Larizadeh, principal of Harris Academy Wimbledon, who welcomed in her first group of year 7s at the temporary Whateley Avenue site back in September.

“Parents, prospective parents, children and staff are delighted with the planning committee’s decision," she said.

"The academy has got off to a fantastic start in our Whatley Avenue building and we have so much more to look forward to as our permanent site is developed.

"With around four applications per available place for next September, the new school is much needed by families and we are all looking forward to seeing it take shape.”

But not all were pleased about the decision.

Peter Walker a former Councillor in Merton who has been leading the protests said the decision would "threaten the health" of the students who are planned for the school.

"It is a crime against the future health of children in Merton," he said.

“This development is not only in a pollution hotspot, but it also envisages putting over 1,100 teenage pupils in a five storey building with virtually no open play space and unable to open the windows due to the air pollution levels outside.”