Vital planning applications for two multi-million pound regeneration projects in Southwark, South London, have now been approved by Southwark Planning Committee.

Developer Oakmayne was given permission to build its £100m Oakmayne Plaza mixed-use development. The project comprises three towers; an 18-storey student accommodation block with 247 rooms, a 23-storey block with 231 private flats and a 14-storey block with 81 flats, as well as a market, cinema, shops and restaurants. The project replaces a previous agreed design for the site, allowing more space for local businesses.

The second approved scheme will see construction of the first element of the redevelopment of Aylesbury, which claims to be one of the largest housing estates in Europe. Around 52 new homes were given the go-ahead to be built on a area at the southwest corner of the estate.

Building is expected to start on site in Autumn 2008, with regeneration of Aylsbury to be completed in 2013.