Campaigners are urging everyone opposed to plans for a controversial sports dome on the edge of a nature reserve to turn out next week when councillors decide its fate.

Nonsuch High School for Girls wants to build a 31ft (9.5m) dome, pavilion, running track and pitches on its fields in Ewell Road, Cheam. Nature reserve Warren Farm runs alongside the site.

Epsom’s council officers have recommended that councillors approve the plans but impose restrictions on opening hours to reduce light and noise disturbance for neighbours.

Anti-dome campaigners are calling for people to show their opposition to the plans by the planning committee meeting at Epsom Town Hall on Thursday, December 4.

Neil Denny, from pressure group No to Nonsuch Dome, said: "It is very important people come to the Town Hall on Thursday night and help stop this damaging and inappropriate scheme.

"It will dominate Warren Farm and add to the parking and congestion issues in Cheam Village. The school already has one sports centre on its site, two is just ridiculous.

"The meeting on Thursday will decide if the scheme goes ahead and everyone's voice must be heard.

Your Local Guardian:

"All three local Sutton councillors representing Cheam village, the local MP Paul Burstow and Nonsuch Watch oppose this development.

"But it is very important that the Epsom councillors who will ultimately take the decision see the depth public feeling against the scheme in the room on the night."

The council report states: "Although the proposed sports dome and floodlighting would have some visual impact from limited areas of Warren Farm, landscaping screening measures have been incorporated to minimise this impact and consequently, officers are of the opinion that the development would not seriously affect the setting of the adjacent Nonsuch Park.

Your Local Guardian:

An image, provided by campaigners, of what they believe dome will look like from Warren Farm

"Existing important trees and soft landscaping within the site will be retained and enhanced where possible."

The report said Transport for London believes the access onto Ewell Road would "accommodate the proposed use" and parking provision exceeds its standards.

Headmaster Peter Gale said: "The school believes that the development will bring benefits to our students and to the wider community.

"There are many sports clubs that have expressed an interest in using the facilities and the school is keen to promote wider participation in sport.

" We appreciate the concerns that some local residents have raised. We have worked hard with the planners to ensure that we meet all statutory requirements necessary.

"There have been several wildlife and traffic surveys."

Your Local Guardian:

An image, provided by the school, of what they believe the dome will look like from Warren Farm

View the plans, with reference 14/00444/FUL, on the Epsom Council website, www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk.

Planning committee meeting; Epsom Town Hall, The Parade; Epsom; Thursday, December 4; 7.30pm