23-storey "queasy" Black Prince Road tower approved by inspector

In February Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee had refused planning permission for the development of 101 homes designed by Keith Williams Architects.

The site is currently occupied by Parliament House, a vacant 7-storey 1960s office block.

Speaking at the time, Lib Dem councillor Brian Palmer said: "Not even the architect's best friend would describe it as an elegant building. The quirkiness extends to very odd angles that could make one queasy looking at it. They seem to bend around in various directions that would be apparent without drugs or alcoholic beverages."

Developer Ristoia appealed against Lambeth's decision and planning inspector Kenneth Barton held a public inquiry in August.

The inspector found in favour of the scheme and has granted planning permission.

He found that the tower's effect on views from Westminster and Trafalgar Square would be "negligible".

Considering views from Millbank, he ruled: "I consider that the verticality of the proposed tower would contrast with the horizontality of the Fire Brigade building."

Princes Ward Labour councillor Mark Harrison said: "It's a shame that planning rules mean that an unelected quango can overrule the decision taken by councillors. Local people felt this building was too tall and too dense."

This development is just across the road from the proposed Florian Place redevelopment of the former London Fire Brigade headquarters. The plans include a new 16-storey building.