River sports clubs that helped train Olympians have said they were under threat from plans to develop Surbiton filter beds.

Kingston Council is currently considering development plans from Hydro Properties for 60 floating homes and a marina on the site, after a month-long consultation ended last week.

But River Thames Sports Alliance, formed of sports clubs along the Thames, has opposed the plans because they said it would reduce the river’s navigable width.

Kingston Rowing Club, which trained the 2000 Olympics gold medallist Kieran West, believes the development would create a dangerous cross-flow of river traffic along the narrowest and busiest stretches.

One of its members, Ferdi Van Huffel, said: “We strongly oppose this development.

“The affects from increased congestion and navigational conflicts in this area will severely compromise the safety of all river users.

“We are cognisant of the devastating impact this development will have on all water sports in this area.”

Developers Hydro Property said it had compromised with the clubs by reducing the river moorings from 17 to seven.

It also claims the current plans obstruct less of the river than the current moorings.

A Hydro spokesman said: “We feel a good compromise solution has been reached and current demands from certain clubs will disadvantage other river users.

“They are conveniently forgetting that the river is used by many people who don’t sail or punt. Many other river users – power boat users, pleasure boaters and others – support both the marina and new moorings on this site.”

The proposal has also come under fire from ecological groups, who said the council had a legal obligation to refuse the plans.

Eco expert Alison Fure said the development would destroy a rare breeding habitat and displace a number of EU-protected wildlife species, claims disputed by Hydro Properties.

Hydro Properties said the proposal would enhance the biodiversity, citing plans for a nature reserve, bat habitats, and water-based wildlife.

The development has received support from other groups, including the Kingston Society, who have written to the council describing the application as “highly commendable”.

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.