Do you want sheltered housing to be built on playing fields in Ewell Village?

Residents aired their views over plans to develop part of the playing fields in Old Schools Lane at a public meeting last night.

Nonprofit organisation Nonsuch Abbeyfield has reworked its plans and carried out more research in response to worries about losing sports facilities and increasing traffic.

The former principal of Ewell Castle School and a keen sportsman had spoken out against its initial plans to cut the playing fields down to just three pitches with nowhere to play cricket.

Graham Walker, chairman of Nonsuch Abbeyfield, said they have now partnered with Epsom Sports Club and changed the plans to include a cricket pitch, grass pitch and all weather pitch.

Mr Walker said: "It's really a sports facility that would be very valuable to the local community."

Concerns have been raised that the fields are on a flood plain and providing better drainage from the remaining pitches will only add to the load on local watercourses.

In response, Mr Walker said technical studies have been done and the Environment Agency will give guidance to prevent any flood risks.

Mr Walker said: "If there are any issues of that nature, they will be dealt with. I don't think we are expecting any issues to arise.

"Part of the proposal is to sort out drainage issue to ensure water runs into natural water courses."

Residents got a chance to view the new plans during a public meeting at Bourne Hall in Spring Street, Ewell, last night.

Ewell Councillor Clive Woodbridge said: "They have listened to the concerns raised at a previous meeting and have gone out and come up with some responses.

"When you look at the sports provision, there were concerns about the loss of the cricket pitch and they have addressed that.

"I suspect the proposal will still raise concerns about access and travel issues and there is no doubt over the loss of a significant chunk of playing fields."

See the plans on the organisation's website: www.nonsuchabbeyfield.org.