A proposed new tower block opposite Streatham Common station is causing outrage among local residents, with more than 200 signing a petition against the development.

Planning permission has been sought for a modern five-storey unit at 2-4 Ellison Road, which would tower above the Victorian homes on the residential street.

Lucy Prabhu, 41, lives in a neighbouring property in Ellison Road. On February 20 she set up a protest point in her driveway, erecting banners and persuading residents and shoppers to sign a petition to oppose the application.

She said: "The vast majority of residents we spoke to and even some local businesses were opposed to the planned development, most citing size and scale as well as local parking as their principal objections.

"Some were so horrified they jumped out of their cars at the lights or pulled over in their cars to sign our petition.

"It was reassuring to meet so many people committed to their neighbourhood, most of whom we hadn't met or seen before."

The proposed new building would house five commercial units and 14 residential flats.

Residents said as well as the visual impact and privacy invasion for local properties, the block could also cause parking and traffic problems.

Mrs Prabhu said she hoped to set up a meeting to discuss the development with the current owner of the property. She would then present her objection to a full council meeting on March 17 and said she was also considering holding a public meeting to discuss the issues.

A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: "The views of all residents is vital in the decision making process for planning applications - whether they support an application or object to it.

"We look forward to seeing the full results of the consultation on this proposal before the planning committee decides the outcome."

Details of the planning application can be found at lambeth.gov.uk. The deadline for objections has been extended to March 10, 2010.