A coalition of parents, teachers and residents say they are now considering taking legal action to overturn the redevelopment of a Tulse Hill primary school.

The development at Fenstanton Primary School was given conditional outline planning permission at an emotional planning meeting on Wednesday, February 10.

Detailed plans will now been drawn up for the demolition of the primary school which will be replaced with a new nursery, primary and 1,100 pupil secondary school.

Critics of the development have expressed a number of concerns - both with the development and the way the consultation was conducted - but now that outline permission has been granted, they are pinning their hopes on the issue of green space.

They argue as a result of the extended site, the area will lose land that was previously undeveloped, green space.

Sarah Tomlinson, joint secretary of Lambeth Teachers Association, said: "There is planning law to stop councillors building on green spaces and we are now seeking legal advice, in conjunction with the campaign group, to see whether this development is legal."

But Paul McGlone, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, disputed the validity of these claims.

He said: "The development doesn't take any land outside the existing school site, other than the Dip, which has been derelict for generations and has been used for prostitution.

"So far as I am concerned, there are no grounds for legal action."

The redevelopment has drawn a clear battle line between Lambeth’s Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors, with the Lib Dems promising to scrap the redevelopment if they take control of the ward in the May elections.

However, Labour Coun McGlone claimed this would deny hundreds of extra places for secondary school children.

While the political battle continues, a campaign group of teachers, residents and parents are due to meet in the community centre in Abbots Park at 6pm on Tuesday, February 23, to discuss the next steps.