A derelict pub on an historic site could be knocked down and 11 new flats built in the latest plan to be put forward for re-development.

The former Cricketers pub, in London Road, Mitcham, built in the 1950s, has been subject to at least four previously unsuccessful proposals and was almost demolished.

A developer had three applications to knock it down rejected by Merton Council over the years.

Wimbledon Times:

A new bid for the demolition of the existing boarded up pub, and construction of a two and three storey building, with seven two bedroom flats and four one bedroom flats has been submitted to the council.

There will be parking for cars and bicycles and space for refuse and recycling storage as well as landscaping.

The Mitcham Cricket Green Community & Heritage group is calling for the plan to be rejected because it says the design will "damage rather than preserve or enhance the conservation area, overwhelm the site and break up the visual integrity of the open spaces and buildings on Lower Green West."

The group stated any development on that plot will be the most important change to the Conservation Area in almost 50 years because of its prominence.

An inn has been located on The Cricketers site since 1799, originally known as The Swan and renamed the Cricketers in the 1830s.

It was rebuilt in 1855 and destroyed by a parachute mine in 1940.

The current pub was opened in 1958 and closed its doors in 2010.

The application is due to be heard by the council’s planning committee next month.