A controversial bid to redevelop a former industrial site in Brixton is going to planning next week.

Peabody Housing wants to build 134 flats and office space, which will range from two storeys to 16, on Higgs Industrial Estate in Herne Hill Road.

But the height of the 16-storey tower is opposed by four local groups as well Historic England, who said it would be out of character in the area.

The developer is proposing that 49 per cent of the flats be rented as affordable – 28 at 75 per cent of market rent and 38 shared ownership.

A large portion of the development – 4,150sqm – would be used for office space.

According to the planning statement: “The development would regenerate this underused site.

“It maximises the potential of the site providing 134 residential units which will contribute to meeting the housing needs of the borough and delivers a significant quantum of affordable homes within the borough, including a large proportion of affordable family housing.”

It states that the development would provide 336 jobs, “a net increase of 286 jobs compared to the former industrial use of the site”.

The site, near Loughborough Junction station, is currently vacant – the previous industrial buildings were knocked in 2016.

Historic England has raised concerns about the height of the 16-storey tower.

Responding to the consultation it said: “The tower element of the proposed scheme does not reflect the character of the vicinity.

“Its height means it would stand alone drawing the eye and would dominate its surroundings.

“Its placement at the junction of the two primary roads of the Loughborough Park Conservation Area means its impact on this asset would be disproportionately large, appearing in views throughout the area.

“Historic England has concerns about this scheme on heritage grounds.

“The proposal would cause harm to the conservation area through development in its setting.”

The Brixton Society, Herne Hill Society, Loughborough Junction Action Group and Camberwell Society have all objected to the plans on the grounds of “gross overdevelopment”, potentially ruined views, and the already busy nearby station.

The Brixton Society said in a statement: “The city-bound rail services through Loughborough Junction Station are already at full capacity in morning peak hours and even east-west bus services along Coldharbour Lane encounter congestion at each end of this road.

“The present public transport accessibility score is therefore deceptive, and new residents will experience difficulty if they wish to travel to work in Central London at normal hours.

“As a ‘car-free’ development, residents will not have the option of driving to work either.”

10 per cent of the flats – 13 – will be suitable for disabled residents, with four disabled parking spaces planned. There will be 354 cycle spaces available.

During the consultation TfL suggested a contribution of £110,000 towards a new cycle hire docking station should be secured from Peabody through a Section 106, which planning officers have put forward as a condition.

A Lambeth planning committee will decide on the application next Tuesday, December 17.