Huge £1bn scheme for three tower blocks including more than 400 homes near London's Blackfriars Bridge gets green light despite neighbours' concerns

A huge £1billion scheme for three tower blocks, including more than 400 homes, near Blackfriars Bridge has been approved despite neighbours' concerns.

A 195m office block and two residential towers - 155m and 95m tall - will go ahead despite protests that it will harm views from St James's Park and the Foreign Office.

The scheme for 18 Blackfriars Road will see the tower be taller than the nearby distinctive landmark 1 Blackfriars Road, informally known as The Vase or The Boomerang, which stands at 163m.

 Southwark Council approved the plan on Monday, creating 433 new homes which will be 'fossil fuel free, 100 per cent electric and Net Zero Carbon in operation'.

Of these, 40.5 per cent will be affordable housing, and generate £11m in social housing funding. 

The controversial proposals have come under fire from Westminster City Council.

It lodged a formal objection, saying the new towers will 'significantly' detract from the views from St James's Park, along with those from the Foreign Office.

Neighbours also protested the scheme, including those living on Waterloo's Roupell Street.

It is known for its rows of relatively untouched beautiful 19th Century houses seen in shows such as Call the Midwife, Mr Selfridge and Doctor Who.

Residents slammed the 'unprecedented size' of the buildings proposed, according to The Standard.

But it was claimed that the developer, Hines, plans to emphasise the character of Roupell Street's two-storey houses through contrast.

Two Grade II-listed buildings currently reside on the site and will be retained but will have alterations made.

The plans will now be referred to the Mayor of London, who will choose whether to intervene or not. 

Ross Blair, of developer Hines UK, said: 'Our plans will transform an undeveloped piece of land, most of which has lain empty for over 20 years, into much needed new homes and first class, sustainable and tech-enabled offices, built around a central hub which we hope will become a brand new convening space for the local community.

'Businesses of all sizes and from all sectors are demanding more from their offices because their employees are demanding more from them. 18 Blackfriars is all about rising to that challenge and delivering the office of the future.

'We believe our plans for 18 Blackfriars will set a new standard in premium quality workspace in London, both fully integrated into its hyper-local community and seated right at the heart of our capital city. 

'Bringing this scheme to life underlines our long-term conviction in London as a thriving, global centre for culture, education and business.'