Merton Council is now under investigation over its handling of controversial plans to expand a primary school.

Campaigners launched legal action in March claiming the council misled the Mayor of London over its plans to expand Dundonald Primary School, in Fairlawn Avenue, at the expense of parkland and a bowling green.

The plans, to create 210 extra school places with a new two-storey extension, were approved in January.

The Protect Dundonald Rec (PDR) group appealed to the Local Government Ombudsman, who this week announced an investigation into claims of maladminstration.

Lorraine Maries, chairman of PDR, said: “The entire process for this planning application is riddled with mistakes.

“The council has ignored the hundreds of objections by local residents and has provided incomplete and misleading information to Sport England, the Mayor of London and the planning committee.

“It is obvious to everyone that they have failed in their duty to handle this application in an impartial manner.”

PDR believe a covenant drawn up in 1893 between Merton Council and brothers John and James Innes, which states the land should always be used as a public pleasure space, should block the plans.

Merton Council has applied to the Upper Tribunal to negate the covenant, which will hear the case in court on Monday, June 24.

The council's cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton, said: “As an authority, we are committed to being open and transparent.

“We will listen to any feedback that may be given by the ombudsman in relation to this complaint.

“But we believe we have followed all the procedures in relation to this planning application.

“We are fully committed to the expansion of Dundonald school.

“There was a huge demand for it.”

Coun Whelton explained the school is oversubscribed with more than 200 first and second preference applications in the last two years for the 30 places available each year.

”Merton Council is committed to providing young people with the best education close to where they live.”