Campaigners are urging the Planning Inspectorate to refuse planning permission for a new large residential develoment on sports fields.

JS Bloor (Newbury) Ltd plans to build 63 houses and 13 flats with parking in the ground of the Pavillion Sports and Fitness Club in Hurst Lane, East Molesey.

Vine Road resident Graham Mascall said: “I fundamentally believe that development of this site to be detrimental to the interests and character of the local community surrounding the site and East Molesey.”

An Adecroft Way resident said the land was badly needed for children in Molesey and that Elmbridge had already developed properties to the full for housing targets, adding: “Please do not agree to this proposal, think of us locals. Our lives would be hell if this development were accepted.”

The application was refused by Elmbridge Council in February 2011 and an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was dismissed in January 2012.

However, not satisfied that the planning inspectorate had given adequate reasons for how the development would impact on the character of the area, JS Bloor Ltd took the case to High Court in February 2012.

A Planning Inspectorate spokesman said: “We conceded the challenge and subsequently started a fresh enquiry and that decision will be expected in July.”

Lloyd Rogers will now preside over all the evidence that was collected at a three day hearing in the Civic Centre in High Street, Esher, which ended on April 26.

The decision is due by July 2013.