Hospital to appeal against building ban on golf course

A mental health hospital has appealed against Wandsworth council's decision to reject plans for a multi-million-pound extension that would "displace" a golf centre.

South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust had wanted to build a new mental health complex, flats and a school on the site of Springfield Hospital in Tooting. But Wandsworth council twice rejected the plans, following objections from 4,000 residents.

The trust appealed against the council's decision and a 10-day public inquiry was launched this month. The final say on the application is now with the planning inspector whose ruling is expected by the end of January.

Campaigners worried about the lack of open space in the borough have criticised the trust's decision to appeal against the verdict. Gary Ley, of the Central London Golf Centre, which is located on the site said: "Local schools, including a special needs school, use our golf course - it keeps people off the streets."

Springfield Hospital gained notoriety after a series of break-outs, including one in 2004, when escaped paranoid schizophrenic John Barrett stabbed cyclist Dennis Finnegan to death.