Community groups are set to reject the latest plans for a multimillion pound redevelopment of the Megabowl site in Streatham Hill.

Developer Glentoran has submitted new plans to knock down Caesars nightclub, the former bowling alley, and the buildings inbetween and replace it with a major residential and retail centre.

Glentoran head Greg Miller-Cheevers said he believed his revised plans - the fifth set since 2007 - would satisfy the planning committee and provide the regeneration the area "badly needs”.

He is awaiting an appeal decision from the planning inspectorate after his previous plans were rejected in December because the height and bulk of the project was deemed detrimental to the conservation area.

The new plans include a reduction in the number of flats to 243, and removing one storey from buildings in both Ardwell Road and those backing on to Blairderry Road.

But chair of community group Friends of Streatham Hill (Fosh), Rod Pearson, said the group would formally object to the plans and unveil an alternative retail-led project for the site, containing larger units more likely to attract high street chains.

Head of the Streatham Society, Brian Bloice, said: “I agree the area needs regeneration, especially to help businesses, but it needs to be the right for the area,and although a marked improvement, this is still an overdevelopment of the site."

Small businesses in Streatham Hill are desperate to see the project go ahead, as they believe it will be a massive boost to the local economy and will regenerate the area.

Streatham Trading Association spokesman Chris Baron said his members, as well as the vast majority of residents, completely supported the application.

Hundreds signed a petition in support of the plans rejected in December.

The scheme is likely to be considered by a planning committee in mid-April.