The plans for the site include an extension of the existing tower to reach 22 storeys as well as the construction of two new tower buildings to reach 11 and 20 storeys. The towers will comprise 332 flats, a 139-bedroom hotel and 2,450 square metres of offices as well as shops, restaurants and cafes and health and fitness facilities.
The Council's planning officers said in their committee report (50-page / 321KB PDF) that the proposed development, which is expected to create 311 full time jobs, would make a significant contribution towards the regeneration of Sutton town centre and act as a catalyst for change in the surrounding area.
The report said that the hotel and fitness facilities could contribute to the attractiveness of the town centre as a location for business and leisure visitors and enhance both the daytime and night time economy for the area.
The officers also noted that, although the application's proposal for 11% affordable housing was below the 50% required under local policy, this should be weighed up against the overall benefits of the scheme, including "the delivery of a high quality development making good an ugly and derelict site and providing a good mix of employment generating uses".
Work on the site is expected to be completed in 2015.
