A Ewell not-for-profit property developer is renewing its bid to build retirement and community sports facilities, but local residents remain "strongly opposed" to the proposal.

Nonsuch Abbeyfield has submitted revised plans to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council for a 60-unit retirement facility and freshly-laid sports pitches on Salesian College Sports Ground in Old Schools Lane, Ewell Village.

August 2015: Save our fields: Charity formed by sportsmen and neighbours to help save playing fields

The organisation’s original plans for the 25-acre fields were rejected in April.

It claims the facilities would help some of the 3,700 over 65-year-olds living on their own in the borough by providing on-site support and care.

The developers argue a new all-weather pitch, grass sports pitch, cricket pitch, multiple possible locations for mini football and a new sports pavilion could be used by local schools and sports clubs throughout the year.

April 2014: Over 400 people sign petition to protect Ewell playing fields from development

But a new petition against building development in Old Schools Lane has now been signed by more than 500 residents claiming the move would have a "significant environmental impact" including "increased traffic in a vulnerable area".

Friends of OSL Playing Fields, a group of residents and representatives from local sports teams, including Worcester Park Cricket Club and Old Salesians Football Club, oppose the proposal.

Chairman of Friends of OSL Playing Fields, and former principal of Ewell Castle School, Andrew Tibble believes the revisions Nonsuch Abbeyfield has made are insufficient.

He said: "We are still strongly opposed to a massive build in an inappropriate area.

"The existing pitches are already of a high standard and a new pavilion is not needed.

"I understand the need for building for care homes, but there are other sites identified for development, but perhaps not as financially beneficial to the parties concerned.

"The proposal with ‘more intensive use’ will increase vehicle traffic and risk to pedestrians.

"I respect their opinion, but it is our village and our site, and I am totally opposed to it."

A deadline for a decision on Nonsuch Abbeyfield's application has been set for December 5.

Graham Walker, chairman of Nonsuch Abbeyfield, said: "Many older people are increasingly looking to move from family homes to properties which better suit their needs.

"Our proposals will give older people from Ewell the opportunity to live independently for longer within the community as their care needs change. Our proposals for the sports fields will provide modern facilities for use in perpetuity by Ewell’s schools and sports clubs.

"We have changed our designs significantly from our previous application and believe we have addressed the concerns raised previously by residents and councillors. We hope that local residents will be able to support this."

View the planning application on the council's website quoting reference 15/00845/FUL Sign the petition at: http://www.petitions24.com/save_ewell_village__the_playing_fields_-_the_campaign_continues