Residents in Upper Norwood have said they will fight controversial plans for a new school building for special needs children.

The group say they have no objection to the school itself, but the proposed building design is not in keeping with the area.

According to the planning application, the new Priory school building in Hermitage road, will be three storeys high replacing the single storey building currently at the site.

The residents have also expressed concerns about plans to remove woodland owned by Virgo Fidelis school, to create a road to a new housing development which has already been granted planning permission.

Bob Dean who lives on Hermitage Road, said: "We haven't got a problem with the SEN school, we just want the plans to change in three areas.

"We want them to look at the height and design of the building, the access road which has already been turned down for planning twice, and for them to take into account the woodland- this space hasn't been touched for 50 years.

"We are hoping to have a voice at the planning meeting on July 26. We are the north of the borough and it seems no-one cares, they wouldn't try this in Coulsdon."

The council is expected to make a decision on the application at the beginning of August.

Upper Norwood Councillor Pat Ryan, said: "I do not have any objection to Priory School being improved or even rebuilt. Everyone would like to support the school.

"Should this planning application go ahead, this will destroy the historic Great North Wood and threaten various protected species including badgers, sparrows, woodpeckers, starlings, bats. Common sense must prevail."