An historic bowling green in Highgate could be paved over and flats built on it under controversial proposals put forward last week.

Mansfield Bowling Club closed its outdoor green this summer after 91 years, in a move which it says it was forced into after falling membership and funds left it struggling with running costs.

Over the weekend, it wrote to residents living near the Croftdown Road club telling them it was considering redeveloping the land in a project thought to be worth millions of pounds.

Concerned residents called an emergency meeting to discuss the proposals, which they warned would deprive the community of prized outdoor space.

Maya de Souza, Green Party councillor for Highgate, said: “Residents are really concerned about these proposals and believe more can be done to raise money by increasing membership.

“I am very keen to see the open space protected.”

The bowling club tried three years ago to build nine houses in the car park of its Dartmouth Park home – but was forced to back down after an outcry from residents.

The bowling club was unavailable for comment as the Ham&High went to press.