Plans to build 115 student rooms and teaching space at a former petrol staton and garage in Penrhyn Road were approved last night.

The proposals, from real estate company Amro, went  through Kingston Council’s development control committee last night on chairman Councillor Vicki Harris’ deciding vote.

A plan for 116 rooms with shops below had been rejected by councillors last year, but revised designs including multi-coloured bricks and fewer bedrooms persuaded the committee.

Surbiton councillor Malcolm Self said it was an improvement, but he added late councillor Frances Moseley would not have approved.

There were 64 objections and 20 letters of support.

He said: “I am absolutely certain if she was here she would say this hasn’t got the wow factor."

Coun Chrissie Hitchcock did not vote but criticised security at the flats.

She said, referring to Amro’s two-strike policy for students: "I can assure people that at 3am in the morning someone coming home screaming and shouting, there’s not a lot they can do with their red and yellow cards."

Raj Kotecha, Amro managing director, told the meeting: “As the long-term owner of this property I think I am able to speak with a degree of commitment.

“I have already shown and demonstrated my commitment to the borough."

He said the company had worked “very hard” to revise its initial design.

He added: "I am pleased to say that having done this we have got some very strong support from your officers."