Plans for a 305-flat skyscraper at the former headquarters of British Rail been given the go-ahead by Croydon Council.

The building, which will consist of two towers - one 32-storey and the other 17-storey - were approved by the council's planning committee last week.

The site in George Street was formerly home to office block Essex House but has laid derelict since the building's demolition two decades ago.

Ten per cent of the flats will be affordable, with developer Fairfield Ltd paying the council £1.33m towards affordable housing elsewhere instead of another five per cent on-site.

Fourteen of the flats created will be affordable family homes with two or three bedrooms.

The development will also include four ground-floor shops, a gym and a public square.

A spokesman for Fairfield Ltd said: "We are absolutely delighted that Croydon planning committee has unanimously voted to approve this application, which will bring a vacant site back into use.

"The scheme is exceptionally designed, both in terms of the look of the two buildings and the quality of the homes that will be built.

"The development of 101 George Street will deliver much-needed homes to the area and bring vibrancy and life to this area of East Croydon."