More than 500 people opposed to building work at a Wimbledon church have signed a petition condemning the scheme which has been likened to a DIYstore.

They claim plans to erect a two-storey building to be used as a hall and meeting rooms behind the Grade II listed Trinity United Reformed Church, and an infill extension between the church and its original hall, are totally inappropriate for the site.

One objector stated the new hall would resemble a DIY shopping development, while another told the council a metal and glass roof was unsympathetic to the Mansel Road church.

Several angry residents contacted the Guardian in protest at the proposals to be discussed at

a meeting of Mertons planning committee tonight quoting the size and inconsiderate design

of the building work among their objections.

They also claim the conservation area would be undermined if the plans were to be given the go-ahead and believe people living in the area have already been subjected to extensive demolition and building work nearby.

Agnese MacDonald, chairman of the Mansel and Raymond Road Residents Association, said she was firmly against the ruining of a fine listed building.

She said: The church did invite us to a meeting. We told them we understood their position but we thought the building was far too big.

Another issue is that it shares a boundary with Wimbledon High School and the building work has to be carried out in the schools grounds. It will also take a lot of light from the school.

Mansel Road resident Peter Grace added: Already the church has space equivalent to one bed per parishioner to host crches, Sunday school parties, and concerts. So why do they want to double it, leaving less than half their buildings for worship?

The church states the new facilities will provide for children and youth work which has outgrown the present cramped and inadequate facilities over the last four years and does not anticipate that use of the premises will increase by much just that the same activities will continue there with greater comfort for the users.

As well as the residents associations concerns, the council has also received a 62-signature petition from parents of children from Wimbledon High, although the school itself does not object in principle to the revised design.

Church minister Ceri Lewis declined to comment.