Groups opposing a controversial development on the Surbiton filter beds have demanded a meeting with Kingston Council.

Speaking at a public meeting organised by Friends of Seething Wells (FSA) the groups asked for a chance to meet councillors on the development control committee to present their opposition.

They are angry developers Hydro Properties were given a meeting with councillors and claim they have been refused a “similar opportunity” put forward their objections.

Speaking at the meeting, held at the YMCA in Surbiton, Jill Green said: “All we are asking for is a similar opportunity to put forward the merits of their objections to the same councillors who meet with the developers, but so far this had been refused.”

The groups oppose the plans on the grounds they will be dangerous for water sports enthusiasts and will destroy a rare breeding habitat, claims disputed by developers Hydro Properties, which claims its plan would enhance the biodiversity of the area.

Development control chairwoman Vicky Harris said: “We receive a lot of information from objectors so we do not generally have any need to meet with them. We encourage them to write to us to put forward their views.

“Before committing to this meeting I would have to discuss the possibility with the rest of the committee to see how they feel about doing it.

“We have to be fair and there must be a level playing field so I would not rule out meeting with anyone.”

A spokesman from Kingston Council said councillors met developers to gain “knowledge and understanding” of the scheme so that they could answer residents’ questions.

He said: “It wasn’t an opportunity for the developer to push the merits of the scheme as some people may have suggested and council officers attended the meeting to make sure this did not happen.”

Neighbourhood committees in Kingston and Surbiton will discuss the application in January next year.

The decision goes to the Mayor of London, who will have the final say.