A controversial new school looks set to be built in Whitton despite the fact nearly angry 1,800 residents have signed a petition to stop the development.

The Russell Education Trust (RET) confirmed a site in Hospital Bridge Road had been chosen as the preferred permanent location for the Turing House School.

The trust said on August 21 the Education Funding Agency (EFA), which finances new schools, was in negotiations with the landowner Hounslow Council to purchase the area of open space.

It also promised to consult over its future admissions criteria for the secondary school, something which had been a huge bone of contention for protesters in Whitton.

"We remain committed to ensuring that Turing House strikes an appropriate balance in serving both the area of demand that brought the school into existence and the local community in which it will be sited," the trust said in a statement.

Opponents living in Whitton have previously labelled the choice of site, which was one of two being considered as "scandalous".

They said Whitton would get all the disadvantages of a new school, like increased traffic and parking issues, but none of the benefits as the centre of the catchment area would be some two miles away in Teddington.

An online petition opposing a school on that site now has 1,783 signatures, with former Twickenham MP Vince Cable and local councillors among those having spoken out against the proposals.

Turing House School, named after Second World War code-breaker Alan Turing, will open in Queens Road, Teddington, this September. It is scheduled to move to Hospital Bridge Road in September 2018.

RET said it would work to minimise the impact on the local community and neighbouring garden centre, while maximising the opportunities for "community benefit", when drawing up its planning application.

It said the admissions criteria for 2016 had already been determined but it would now consult on the arrangements for 2017 and beyond, beginning in December.

Headteacher Colin Mackinlay said: "100 young people from Teddington, Whitton, Hampton and Twickenham, who are very excited about starting in their brand new school this September, now know not just where they will begin their secondary education but also where they will take their GCSEs and A Levels.

"All of our founding families from right across the borough have been firmly committed to the school wherever it was ultimately to be located so it is great that they now have certainty. We are looking forward to building relationships with the community in Whitton as we have in Teddington."

Councillor Paul Hodgins, Richmond Council's cabinet member for schools, said he was glad Turing House had secured a location for the school but hoped it would now reconsider its admissions policy.

"One issue that must now be corrected is the published admissions policy beyond 2016. We did not agree with it when it was proposed, and it is now very clear that it is not right. It must be balanced and fair in serving both the community in which the school sits and the wider demand," he said.

"I am pleased that they have responded to our objections and have agreed to re-consult later this year so that the policy can be changed. We will continue to represent residents on this issue, and will work with Turing over the next few months and during the consultation later this year."