Concerned neighbours of The German School in Petersham fear the school’s plans for a new two-storey sports complex will cause “appalling” traffic.

The Petersham Road school wants to demolish the existing hall to build a new sports building, with the erection of a temporary sports structure during its construction.

But residents are concerned about the lack of consultation between the school and its neighbours, as well as reducing car parking space in the surrounding area.

Robert Harbour, of Meadlands Drive, said: “They haven’t informed everybody in Meadlands Drive and I find that strange and annoying.

“The road is already really affected by The German School because of traffic congestion.”

Avril Clark, of Meadlands Drive, said: “I suggest that before permission is granted to the school for this proposal, they are required to provide a solution to the appalling traffic situation in the surrounding streets.

“Are they simply going to be allowed to continually colonise our neighbourhood in their own interests?”

Karen Reekie, of Clifford Road, said: “The proposed work is going to reduce the car park space at the school and increase traffic congestion as well as put pressure on already limited parking in the area.”

However, The German School parents have flooded Richmond Council’s planning website with letters of support for the plans.

Katherine von Schubert, of Petersham Road, commented “It will be a much-needed an excellent new facility for a large and thriving school and impinges on no-one.”

Francesca Fabbri, who lives in Ailsa Road in Twickenham, admitted it could cause disruption to the school’s neighbours but highlighted the school’s community work.

She wrote: “Although the potential disruption the renovation might bring to the neighbourhood is regrettable, I think it is worth remembering that the school and its parents’ association are very active locally and organise several charitable events that benefit the borough and other local organisations.”

Merle Speer, of Park Drive in East Sheen, added: “Whilst the works will require construction, the impact on road traffic and parking should not be significant.

“The school is very active in its local community and ought to be seen as a real asset in the area.”

To view the school’s plans, search planning reference code 15/5206/FUL on the council website.

A decision on the planning application is due on March 14.