MP Munira Wilson has held talks with the education group that plans to create a new private secondary school for hundreds of pupils at the historic Kneller Hall.

Dukes Education recently bought the Grade II listed building, which was previously home to The Royal Military School of Music, from the Ministry of Defence.

The scheme has raised some concerns in the community around the site in Whitton, which is close to the Twickenham rugby stadium.

However, Dukes Education has moved to reassure local politicians and residents in a bid to win support for the planning application.

Significantly, it is offering to allow several acres of green space that will be turned into playing fields for the school to be used by the local community, including sports groups.

There are also plans for a green, ecological corridor along one boundary of the site, which could involve opening up a hidden stream, to boost wildlife and biodiversity.

A plan drawn up for the site by Richmond Borough Council made clear that part of the land should be used to build much-needed housing for the borough.

Nub News has learned that, while this was not part of the school's initial proposal, it is willing to discuss this idea.

A meeting was held last Friday between the MP, the chairman of Dukes Education, Aatif Hassan, and the head teacher at Radnor House, Darryl Wideman.

Mr Hassan told Nub News: "We were very grateful to Munira Wilson for her time. It was a useful and constructive meeting in which we discussed our initial ideas on the use of the site including community sports; the use of the music bandstand for external concerts and the development of the biodiversity corridor to be used as a forest school.

"We remain open to other ideas. We have not ruled out a small section being used for new homes, but our priority remains using the site for a school and facilities for young people."

He added: "As our professional advisers are still developing plans, there is no confirmed timetable on the formal planning application date.

"The next step is a meeting with London borough of Richmond planning department and then we will look to submit a full planning application."

Mr Hassan said the scheme is winning support from both the local community and military musicians who trained at Kneller Hall in the past.

Munira Wilson tweeted about the meeting, writing: "Last week I met Aatif Hassan chairman of Dukes Education, which owns Radnor House and has recently purchased Kneller Hall. Mr Hassan and head teacher Darryl Wideman showed me around the site and explained their plans for the new school.

"I was pleased to hear commitments to allow community use of the planned new sports facilities. There is a huge demand for playing field access from local amateur sports clubs and I will support community access as the development passes through the planning process."

Munira Wilson MP said: "I met with Aatif Hassan, Chairman of Dukes Education, and Radnor House Head teacher, Darryl Wideman, at Kneller Hall on Friday 24th September. Mr Hassan and Mr Wideman showed me around the site and explained the plans for the new school.

"I highlighted the need for a clear local transport plan to prevent gridlock in the area, as well as the importance of fully engaging and consulting with local residents on their plans. I am also keen to see the new sporting facilities made available to both local amateur sports clubs and local state schools, and the bandstand being made available for community use.

"Should there be an application for housing on the site, I would want there to be a high proportion of affordable homes and properties for social rent, given the very pressing need for affordable housing in the area. No planning application has as yet been submitted."