Residents will continue to fight plans to build 77 student homes near badger setts as the deadline looms for an application without a sanctuary for animals and plants.

Concerned residents also fear their quality of life would be reduced by students putting a strain on nearby parking provision.

From April: Residents protest against plans for 77-bed student accommodation in Epsom

The developers argued in April that the build would take place on a brownfield site and would help to meet a shortfall in student accommodation.

A planning application by Shrewsbury developers Loganberry Ltd to build accommodation for 77 students in Mill Road, Epsom was approved by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s planning committee last week.

From last week: 77 student homes to be built near wildlife habitats

Approval was given despite planning officers’ recommendation that it be rejected due to concerns over flood risks and upsetting local wildlife.

Loganberry Ltd had agreed to keep one-third of the site as a wildlife sanctuary.

But Julie Morris, a landscape gardener who lives on the same road as the development, believes the build will displace animals - especially as an outline application, submitted on July 14 and without the maintenance of a wildlife sanctuary, is still to be decided.

Mrs Morris spoke on behalf of a residents’ group campaigning to keep the land free for wildlife.

She said: "We feel there are reasons to refuse this application, but unfortunately the majority of the planning committee felt otherwise.

"There is need for student accommodation but this is not the right place for such a large density."

Mrs Morris also suggested that an influx of students would create parking problems for residents.

She said: "The residents already struggle with parking, and they are going to find the quality of life greatly reduced."

Although the site - between Epsom's Mill Road and the railway - is not a Conservation area, it is home to badgers, foxes, lizards, stag beetles and plants.

Simon Cowell, founder of Leatherhead charity Wildlife Aid is concerned with the potential displacement of wildlife.

He said: "It is always sad to see wildlife corridors disappearing.

"It is sad to see that habitats and species are ignored for the benefit of man."

A spokesperson for Epsom and Ewell borough council reassured residents that appropriate surveys had been undertaken and that the impact on residents’ parking and wildlife would be minimal.

A spokesman said: "There will be a number of managed parking spaces on the site. However as the development is for student accommodation, which will be within walking distance of the university campus, parking is not seen as an area of concern.

"The highway authority did not raise any issues over the parking provision for the development.

"Appropriate ecological surveys have been undertaken and the development meets current the Government’s Local Planning Policy."

David Waller of Renaissance Holdings, the agent handling Loganberry’s application, did not wish to comment.

To view the planning application visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/EEBC, click on ‘planning’, and enter the reference code: 15/00553/OUT