A community has pledged to battle a planning application to turn a Morden pub loved by families into flats and houses.

The owners of the Morden Tavern in Central Road have lodged a bid to build 21 flats and 11 houses on the site.

But the move has angered regulars at the pub, as well as local residents who claim the buildings would overlook their homes and increase a chronic parking problem.

About 50 local people gathered at a public meeting and promised to fight the plans.

A decision on the planning bid is expected in August.

Drinkers say the pub, which has an extensive garden area, is loved by local families. It has recently hosted fun days, barbecues and dog training sessions for the local community.

The pub’s manager acknowledged it had attracted trouble in the past - but she said it had recently improved, something acknowledged by Merton police.

During the meeting at St George’s Church hall on June 2, residents said the new buildings would overlook their homes and block out light.

They also said the development would increase pressure on already overstretched primary schools and roads.

Building work on a huge 265 flat development a few metres from the Morden Tavern, the Willows, started about six months ago.

One said: “It’s bad enough as it is with parking - it’s going to go absolutely crazy.

Another said: “This is about private greed rather than public need.”

Developer Reef Estates, who submitted the application, would not comment on the story.

There were also complaints that letters telling residents about the plans had been delivered late, giving them little time to reply or object.

Council leader Stephen Alambritis apologised for the delay, and said the deadline for comments or objections had now been extended to June 22.

Residents can send their views to planning@merton.gov.uk or call 020 8545 3777.