Plans to convert a disused former dancing school into a multi-purpose community centre have incensed local residents.

The Raghuvanshi Association, with a membership of 450 families from the south London Lohana community, wants to use the empty Queen's Hall, in Brighton Road, South Croydon, for social and sporting functions.

It is expected they will be given the go-ahead at a planning meeting tomorrow night (Thursday).

But some residents are so outraged they have formed an association specifically to tackle the issue.

Around 150 homeowners, as well as Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway, have bombarded the council with petitions and objections.

They say people living in the large number of nursing homes, care homes and sheltered housing nearby are highly sensitive to disturbance.

They also feel the centre would increase the noise, traffic, litter and pollution levels in the area.

Plans sub-committee vice chairman Councillor Charlie Burling told residents it would be foolish of the council to simply turn down the application because it would probably be granted on appeal with no conditions.

He said: "The Raghuvanshi organisation are respectable people whose activities are peaceful. When compared to some of the activities that could get planning permission at Queen's Hall, such as a pub, restaurant or nightclub, the proposed use seems quite reasonable."

But he admitted the car parking situation was not acceptable and that noise levels would have to be restricted.

Mr Ottaway said: "I'm still not convinced that these proposals will not lead to inconvenience to local residents."

The yearly Navrati festival, which would be celebrated at the hall, would last for 15 days, attracting up to 300 people a day at weekends.

But the group says the hall could also be used by other groups and clubs, including scouts, guides and brownies.

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