In August Blears approved the Coin Street Community Builder’s plans for a 144-metre residential tower on London’s South Bank against the advice of a planning inspector. The development also includes a public swimming and indoor leisure centre.

The plans were approved by Lambeth Council and the Mayor in August but it was called in last September following a public inquiry.

In her verdict, delivered today Hazel Blears acknowledged the 144 metre-high residential tower would harm the settings of the Strand and Roupell Street conservation areas and Somerset House.

But she said the settings of the Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre and the views from St James's Park Footbridge would be preserved.

She argued that the tower's drawbacks would be outweighted by the 'substantial' benefits of the wider scheme.