A block of flats on the site of the community arts centre, Matthews Yard has been given the go ahead by Croydon Council.

Last week, after months of uncertainty plans for an eight storey block of 55 flats was approved by the council’s planning committee.

Back in August a decision was pushed back after councillors were unhappy with the lack of affordable housing provided in the scheme.

So Regent Land and Development Ltd’s came back with an amended scheme which brought the affordable housing from 25% to 30%.

The site is currently home to a conference centre, with the first floor of the building used by Folly’s End Fellowship Church, the basement by Matthews Yard and the retail unit by a 99p shop.

The plans received 80 objections and two public comments in support.

There was also 6,000 people that signed a petition to save Matthews Yard.

Objections included loss of a community facility, disruption to the Surrey Street Market, a lack of parking for the residents.

At Thursday’s meeting Cllr Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport spoke in support of the application.

He said that welcoming well-known music venue Hoodoos to the development will mean it remains an important cultural hub.

Although the developers have now provided more affordable homes, some councillors were unhappy with the split of tenures.

Of the 18 units, just one will be offered at affordable rent, the rest will be shared ownership.

Cllr Paul Scott said: “Yes we would like to see more affordable rent but given the music use, which is really really important, the affordability of that needs to be taken into consideration.”

The plans were unanimously approved by the panel.

Speaking after the meeting Matthews Yard founder Saif Bonar said that he was pleased the approved scheme included more affordable homes.

He said: “I am pleased in a round about way that the pressure we applied meant more affordable homes were included.

“You have to choose your battles and it was quite clear that they were going to win this one a long time ago.”

He said that now the venue is focusing on moving to a new location, a nearby alternative has been found but contracts are yet to be signed.

Once the development is given the green light by the Mayor of London Matthews Yard will be given six months notice to move.

As compensation it will receive £28,000, equivalent to a year’s rent.

Last Friday a new restaurant Vegan Grill came on board at the venue after Brgr&Beer moved out.