A twelve storey tower block just shy of the size of the hated Brown and Root building will soon be gracing the skyline of Colliers Wood.
The block will house 54 flats, offices, cafes and car parking in Christchurch Road, Colliers Wood, just behind the underground station.
Twelve of the homes will be affordable housing, a detail celebrated by ward member Councillor Nick Draper.
Coun Draper said: "It will be another tower block but it is a good design and it is providing much needed housing in an area of intensification.
"The bit I really like is that twelve homes will be affordable.
"Colliers Wood is getting more and more expensive to live in but it is not a rich area."
The rectangular site behind Colliers Wood underground station has been vacant since 2003 when former buildings were cleared.
The Brown and Root building stands at seventeen storeys and is not far from the proposed block.
Merton Council received 12 letters of objection to the plans raising concerns including car parking, excessive height and increase in people visiting the area.
Access to associated facilities and vehicle access will be on to Prince George's Road.
Coun Draper, who is cabinet member for community and culture, added: "It will be a tall building but on balance I am glad we are getting that extra accommodation."
The block will comprise 23 one bedroom, 23 two bedroom and eight three bedroom flats.
The plans were approved on Thursday, March 27, subject to conditions including financial contributions to the local area and a direction from the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson on the council’s powers to grant such an application.
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