Coin Street Community Builders' (CSCB) are behind the proposals. 

The Doon Street scheme had been supported by Lambeth Council, local MP Kate Hoey, the Mayor of London, the Southbank Centre, National Theatre, leading architects including Lord Rogers and Sir Terry Farrell, and many other organisations and individuals, but had been opposed by English Heritage and Westminster Council.

It has now been approved after Hazel Blears 'called in' the proposals following a public inquiry back in September 2007.

Her verdict acknowledged the 144 metre-high residential tower would harm the settings of the Strand and Roupell Street conservation areas and Somerset House.

However, 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 outweighed by the 'substantial' benefits of the wider scheme.

English Heritage supports the principle of redeveloping this site and welcomes any public benefits it could bring. However it has expressed it concern over the impact the scheme will have on the historic environment.
 
In a statement English Heritage said it was appalled by the decision to approve the scheme.