A "radical" redevelopment of Surrey House which would have seen more than 300 flats built has been rejected.

Kingston Council had initially knocked back the plans, to which the developers appealed the decision.

But now a final call has been made and Surrey House will stay as is, much to the delight of the council's portfolio holder for planning policy and economic development, Malcolm Self.

“We welcome the inspector's support of our planning committee’s decision to refuse the application," he said.

"The appeal makes clear that the proposal did not meet the borough’s housing need, wasn’t in keeping with the character of the area and didn’t offer suitable public realm spaces.

“This decision will guide future decision making and sends a clear message that the council will always look to ensure that any large-scale developments benefit the borough.”

The application was submitted by Salmon Harvester early in 2018 and would have seen a 10-12 storey building erected. As well as 311 flats, The development would have also included shopping space in Kingston town centre.

Among the reasons that the council opposed the plans were "poor design and harm to the nearby Grade II listed Post Office and conservation area; failure to take the opportunities for improving the character and quality of the area and not incorporating sufficient family housing or affordable homes."

Roughly 15 per cent of the homes would have been classed as "affordable housing."