The transformation of a derelict eyesore will begin later this year, but critics have accused the council of missing an opportunity to provide more family housing.
Merton Council has given the go-ahead to build 10 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom flats in a site it owns in Merton Road, Wimbledon, with eight of the flats reserved for people with learning disabilities.
The other nine flats will be available as part of a shared-ownership scheme to allow first-time buyers and lower-paid key workers – nurses teachers and police – to secure a foothold on the property ladder.
But the decision comes after Labour and Conservative councillors disagreeing over their competing visions of the site, which lies in a hotly contested electoral ward (Abbey) represented by each party.
Councillor Andrew Judge, the Labour-run council’s head of regeneration policy, praised the scheme as a “building of quality” but opposition Conservative councillors for Abbey ward, Henry Nelless and Diane Neil Mills, had instead wanted to build five town houses.
Coun Neil Mills said: “I fully support shared ownership but I also think these flats just meet the minimum standards.
“We own the site and we should have used this site as an example to other developments.
“I’m very worried that Wimbledon’s future will consist of tiny little shoeboxes.
"That’s not what families want and that’s partly why prices for family houses in London are going up so rapidly.”
But Coun Judge said: “We have worked closely with the architect to produce an excellent design for both the building and gardens.
“Great care has been taken to ensure that the building respects those buildings that neighbour it.
“We have a fundamental obligation to provide good quality life-long homes for those with disabilities and this building reflects that.”
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