Hundreds of people have signed a petition against the development of football pitches and a clubhouse on unspoilt land in Hanworth.

A whopping 600 plus signatures have been collected in just nine days by members of a campaign group in a bid to get the council to stop plans on the Nallhead Road site from going ahead.

The petition was handed over to Hanworth councillor Candice Atterton yesterday (Sept 11) and will be discussed at the borough council meeting next Tuesday, September 16.

A number of councillors and local MP Seema Malhotra have been sent electronic copies of the door-to-door petition which was launched on Thursday, August 28, and closed last Friday (September 5).

Proposed development on Nallhead Road

A number of determined campaigners involved in collecting signatures to get plans for the sports centre development by Powerleague overthrown, believe their lives will be blighted by the proposals due to an increase in anti-social behaviour, noise and traffic pollution.

Campaign leader Keith Griffin, a recently retired officer with the London Fire Brigade, and resident of Church Road for 31 years, along with Carol Mackie and husband Colin also of Church Road for 40 years, and John Wimsett, a retired British Airways employee who has lived in Hanworth for 60 years, collected the signatures.

Mr Wimsett, said: "I have been supporting the efforts to encourage Hounslow Council to re-think the effects of the proposed Nallhead Road development.

"My wish is to see that the residents of Hanworth get a fair hearing, hopefully the petition will achieve this."

Site for sports centre development on Nallhead Road, Hanworth

About a month ago the group leafleted 640 houses informing them of the proposals, and when they returned to the houses with petition, between 70 to 80 per cent stated prior to the leaflet drop they knew nothing of the plans.

Other results from the petition showed 95% of those people asked were fully against the proposed development - higher percentage than anticipated.

The petition requests planning councillors to immediately put the development on hold pending the outcome of three areas:

1.    A comprehensive consultation with local residents (not just the 23 contacted initially) and for the issues raised to be considered and addressed.

2.    An independent noise evaluation of the site (noise levels disclosed in the application are NOT based on the actual site and incorrect)

3.    A revaluation of the opening times of the Clubhouse to minimise the impact of anti-social behaviour on the local area.

Mr Wimsett added: "A very large number of the people signing this petition felt badly treated and let down by the council. 

"After all they are elected on the basis they are there to look after our interests. 

"In this case they have been shown in an appalling light, complacency, severe lack of knowledge of the area and a seeming total disregard for any democratic grievances raised by the local community."

Site for sports centre development on Nallhead Road, Hanworth

The campaign group strongly believes they could have obtained further signatures with ease given more time but couldn't due to time constraints imposed by council planning deadlines.

Just over 20 households were consulted in a letter in May 2013, following the original planning application.

Changes meant a second consultation took place in March 2014, and around 150 signatures against the proposal from residents.

Plans include three five-a-side football pitches, three seven-a-side football pitches, a cricket net and basketball/netball court, a pavilion, bar, function room and an office.

The latest petition was introduced as more people have been made aware of the plans.

The current planning application has been recommended for approval to the planning committee.