A controversial planning application to build a five-storey block of flats in a conservation area has been approved.

The Wandsworth Council planning committee approved plans for Olive Haines Lodge, in Oakhill Road, Putney, to be redeveloped at a public meeting on Thursday June 6.

Developers Rolfe Judd Planning Limited plan to create 51 flats in the former retirement home, which involves increasing the height of the three storey building.

There will be 33 per cent affordable homes provided, a basement car park and roof terraces.

Plans were initially submitted to the council for a seven storey building, but were revised as they breached the height rules imposed in the East Putney Conservation Area.

The new plans include a sunken ground floor level, with neighbours objecting this means the building will still be too high.

A planning document submitted to the council said: "The proposed scheme is for the demolition of the existing three storey building and removal of hard-standing, and its replacement with a new residential development comprising a mix of 51 family and non-family dwellings with basement parking, balconies, roof terraces and communal gardens."

Neighbours objecting to the plans claim the building is too high for the conservation area, largely made up of two storey Edwardian villas.

Andrew Sykes, 55, a company director, who lives next door to the development, said: "We are all very disappointed.

"People in Oak Hill Road feel the three storey building that fits in well to something twice the size is going to be a real shock.

"We are very concerned about what the actual height of the building will be. Part of it is going to be below ground level, we may end up with something that is quite a bit higher."