Plans for a new school in Blackheath hit a snag last night after they were branded ”dull and uninspiring” and a neighbour complained about the impact on her house.

Councillors decided to push back making a decision on the proposed Leigh Academy in Old Dover Road after fears the site was not suitable for the number of potential pupils.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency plans to demolish buildings, formerly used by Blackheath Bluecoats before its closure in 2014, and build a new school with a capacity of 1,150 pupils – 20 per cent more than the old school.

Speaking on behalf of residents in her ward, Councillor Christine Grice dubbed the proposals “dull and uninspiring”.

She said: “Residents remember what the school was like, behaviour outside the school was an issue. The main issue is that with a 20 per cent increase in capacity, things need to be robust to make sure it operates efficiently.

“This proposal lacks a long-term perspective. It’s a very dull, uninspiring, architecturally boring building. With the increase in capacity, an innovative school that is well designed could enable that to happen, but this design just doesn’t do it. It’s very uninspiring.

“The response that it is meant to have a grown-up feel to it – well, it doesn’t have to look like two boxes stuck together to be grown-up.”

The proposed school would be split across two adjoining buildings, a main teaching block and a sports and drama studio.

Several neighbours complained a bigger school would bring pressure on buses – notably the single-decker 386 which, according to concerns, is already packed with pupils from the John Roan.

One resident, who lives in Old Dover Road, told the planning board last night her house appeared to be left out of the plans altogether.

The neighbour told the committee a car park and a electric sub-station would be just metres from her home should the plans be approved.

She said: “I have no idea why, but it’s not in some of the documents.

“I can’t see my property – it’s not there, it’s not shown, that’s quiet concerning. I hope the same consideration will be given to my house as well as others – other houses are getting trees and orchards as part of the plans, I’m getting car parking spaces.”

The developer said the house had been considered and the school would manage parking by having a staff member patrolling the street during peak times.

The agent for developer, Coral Ducroq, told the committee: “A parking survey showed that at peak times spaces were available. The school is designed to standards and guidelines, we see that the school is designed to a very high standard. It is a innovative design.”

Officers of the council had recommended the plans be approved, saying that  “The educational need for a new secondary school is fully acknowledged.”

Councillors on the planning board said there was not enough open play space to cater for the increasing number of students.

Councillor Linda Bird said: “I find it incredible that the plan is to increase children with this. If you go into lunchtime in a school with over a 1,000 children in it, its like going into a small town. Those people need space, I don’t feel this is adequate.”

Councillors decided a visit to the site was necessary, choosing not to make a decision.

The site is currently home to St Mary Magdalene School, which is set to move to its permanent home on Greenwich Peninsula in November.