A charity has reacted with alarm at plans to build two floodlit games pitches in a conservation area used as a feeding area by bats.

In a programme foreword published by the Canons Leisure Centre Chris Lee, Merton Council’s director of environment and regeneration, confirmed an application to build two flood-lit multi-use games areas at the rear of the leisure centre was imminent.

The announcement has caused concern for community groups who have been in discussion with the council since 2011 over use of disused tennis courts which lie in the heart of a conservation area called Bellamy Copse - an area planted by the council to screen the leisure centre.

John Davis, from Friends of the Canons, said: "Bats do not like light and that is why they fly at twilight, but it’s not particularly good for residents either.

"We are very worried about light pollution anyway, but this will undoubtedly increase it, and it will add a completely new dimension to what is quite a dark area.

"It is likely the bats would have to move elsewhere for their feeding ground.

"There are plenty of invertebrates and an increasing numbers of bees which is quite important.

"There is a lot of bramble which at the moment is covered in blossom and is a haven for bees.

"There will be a loss of about 20 per cent of the copse."

Tony Burton, of the Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage group (MCGCH), said the group is keen to see the tennis courts put to use but was disappointed to see a scheme which will "inevitably lead to conflict".

He said: "Our concerns have focused on the degree of access to the facilities for locals and the impact of floodlighting in the heart of a conservation area.

"We have also expressed concern about the environmental impact on Bellamy Copse and on bats among other issues. "We have also pointed to the availability of alternative floodlit facilities nearby, including the Hub."

Councillor Nick Draper, cabinet member for community and culture, said: "In order to maximise use of the pitches the proposal is that they are floodlit in the evening during certain times of the year.

"The times when floodlighting is allowed will be agreed as part of the planning process, however it is proposed to use modern floodlighting which concentrates light on the pitch and minimises light pollution.

"Ecology and bat surveys were both undertaken as part of the process.

"Our ecology survey recommended that the area of scrub land be cleared.

"The replanting of a small part of the copse by the tennis court minimises the affect on the bats who use the recreation ground as a foraging area.

"We take local residents concerns seriously and will continue to take any issues they may have into account."