Local sports clubs in Teddington are still waiting for answers on the future of Udney Park playing fields.

Earlier this year a proposal by developers Quantum to build 107 extra-care housing units, a GP surgery and sports facilities on the playing fields was thrown out by a planning inspector after an appeal enquiry.

Now the future of the fields remains uncertain, with the added pressure of the coronavirus pandemic causing further delays and confusion.

Jonathan Dunn, Club Chairman of Thamesians RFC, hopes to purchase the site as green fields for his club to play on.

He describes their status as "nomadic" and expressed particular concern that the ladies team are now homeless, despite finishing second in their league last season.

"Pitches are so difficult to get hold of, both to practice and train on and play matches on weekends," he said.

"We all have this trouble of trying to find a space to play games on Saturdays and Sundays, so Udney seems like a perfect place to go, but for the past few years it's been a facility that's been running down."

He said if he could buy the land as a charitable trust he would keep the site as playing fields in perpetuity.

Since the coronavirus lockdown, and decision by the planning inspectorate, he said there has been "radio silence" on the future of the fields from the developer, despite trying to contact them with his offer.

"The developer is, I guess, at this stage licking his wounds," he said.

"I think it could be a fantastic facility.

"I don't agree with the principle that we continually build on playing fields because I think now, more than ever, for mental health and physical health, it's hugely important.

"People are going to want to go outside and get fresh air, running around to get our heads working properly again as well as our bodies."

A number of Lib Dem councillors from Hampton Wick and Teddington wards agree, and have called on Quantum to "manage Udney Park properly or sell up to a local community based group."

Councillor Robin Brown said he was "concerned by reports that local sports clubs are not being given the opportunity to use the playing fields," and "disappointed to see the condition of the fields deteriorating."

Simon Cartmell, from Teddington Rugby Club also wants more space for clubs to play, but argues that green space and fields are difficult to maintain.

He would like to see an all-weather surface with floodlights for weekday evening training instead.

"South West London is really poorly served for those types of facilities," he said.

"We're blessed with lots of green space, Bushy Park, Richmond Park, but we are not blessed with 4G multi-use facilities with flood lights. So this seemed like an opportunity to develop one of those alongside a pristine, fit-for-purpose clubhouse which would become a community hub.

"That was essentially what was proposed alongside the planning application for the new development by AHH. Of course that's now been rejected so we're now asking what is plan B, C or D. I think everyone is aligned, regardless of what their personal views are, around making more sports facilities available in this part of town."

He said he has been in conversation with the teams at Quantum, who have emphasised to him that coronavirus and the planning inspectorate decision has required a rethink, and that they are not rushing into a decision.

"It looks as if the council and some of the other groups are trying to pressure them to pay a little bit and bugger off with tail between their legs," said Simon.

"That's one view, but this is a very important piece of land in the heart of our community, and I'd rather they took time to think about what they did and how it became available to the community, rather than just leap at a solution that may not be the right solution in the long-term."

Tony Spotswood, on behalf of Quantum Teddington Development LLP, said the company "recognise[d] the value of this privately-owned land to the local community."

He added: "There is a continuing need for affordable homes in the location and we hope to get the site developed in future to meet these needs."