Pub chain JD Wetherspoon’s will press ahead with plans to redevelop the former police station in New Malden High Street, as part of its nationwide expansion.

Despite massive opposition from residents to the pub chain’s original licensing application, which was twice rejected by Kingston Council, this week the company said New Malden would be one of 250 new pubs across the country to be built in the next five years.

Wetherspoon’s was granted an alcohol licence in November 2007 after appealing at Kingston Magistrates’ Court.

The licence was granted with certain conditions on the pub chain to clamp down on rowdy behaviour, including restrictions on having a video screen, music and an order to close by 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Burlington Road resident Angela Jackson, who collected more than 1,000 signatures against the plans, said she was very “worried and concerned”.

She said: “I can imagine that all the local people who campaigned and signed the petition are fed up and gutted.”

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon’s said 40 jobs would be created by the new pub but there was as yet no completion date.

JD Wetherspoon’s chairman Tim Martin said: “Our pubs are extremely popular and we wish to build on their success by opening more. I am confident that the new pubs will be an asset to their respective towns and cities.”