Sivayogam Temple in Tooting faces demolition

A Hindu temple in south London is facing demolition as developers plan to replace it with a hotel and student accommodation.

The Sivayogam Temple has been operating within an art deco building in Tooting for nearly 15 years.

Barrowfen Properties, the landlord and developers, have submitted an application to Wandsworth council.

Their plans include a 76-bedroom hotel, 11 flats and commercial floorspace at ground level.

"Everyone believes this temple cannot be moved. Demolishing this building is serious," said temple founder Nagendram Seevaratnam.

"The building should stand. Temples in my opinion are not something like shops moving from one place to another."

Wandsworth council has extended the public consultation period for the development plans.

Barrowfen Properties has so far declined to comment.