The period to submit public comments on the planning application for Udney Park Playing Fields has been extended to April 13.

The controversial proposed development on the green space in Teddington has so far attracted more than 2,000 comments, 1,340 in support and 1056 objections at the time of writing.

Quantum Group, a “retirement living specialist”, intends to build 107 apartments adapted for elderly people in Udney Park Road, as well as a GP surgery and underground carpark.

See more: Controversial Udney Park Playing Fields consultation nearly over

Loss of green space is a major issue for many objectors.

As well as this, there are also planning issues with the development and a council officer has submitted a detailed objection which states the plans fail to comply with the National Planning Policy Framework on local green spaces and pitches and regional policy in the London Plan.

The site also has Local Green Space and other open land of townscape importance protection, and is an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Supporters of the proposals say more housing for the elderly is needed, as well as a larger GP surgery in the area, and many people are in favour of Park Lane Stables having a permanent space for their “hugely beneficial” sessions for disabled people.

A Richmond Council spokesman said: “The council wrote to residents on March 12 when this planning application was validated to ask for comments to be made within three weeks, the standard period for consultations.

“At the same time we instigated site notices and published a notice in local media.

“These also allow for feedback for three weeks from the date of publication, which was on March 23, and therefore the consultation was extended to run until April 13 to allow residents to have their views heard.”