A development of new council houses is to be built on a patch of land next to a Carshalton primary school.

Sutton Council wants to build around 10 three-bedroom houses on a vacant plat in Fellowes Road next to Muschamp Primary School.

The plans were revealed at a meeting of Sutton Council's strategy and resources committee last night.

Planners believe the 3,500sq m site could be big enough for 10 three-bedroom houses although they stressed that number could vary depending on the nature of the housing when it is built.

The council has spent recent months looking at ways to increase its housing stock and building on the site has been deemed suitable and it is hoped it will help ease the pressure on existing housing stocks.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, chairwoman of the council's housing, economy and business committee, said: "Sutton, like the rest of London, is facing the problem of a lack of housing, so we are looking at opportunities to build homes wherever possible.

"Developing vacant sites like this is a step in the right direction and I look forward to seeing the plans take shape.

"We want to ensure that the new homes best meet local need and fit well into the area, so as the project moves forward and we develop proposals, we will encourage people to get involved with the designs for the new development."

Coun Colin Stears added; "I think it's a very good use of the site. It needs to be developed and it needs to blend in with what's there already.

"This is really good, it's a fantastic opportunity."

Formal plans will have to be drawn up and given planning permission before any building can start.