Elephant and Castle scheme given planning permission by Southwark council

Lend Lease's St Mary's development in Elephant and Castle designed by Squire and Partners

Contractor Lend Lease has been granted planning permission for St Mary鈥檚 development in London.

The firm has been granted permission to build 284 new homes in a 37-storey residential building and adjacent four-storey pavilion with shops at the St Mary鈥檚 site. The development is designed by architect Squire and Partners and sits alongside the Lend Lease鈥檚 拢1.5bn masterplan for the area.

Southwark council also granted permission for a 拢20m community leisure centre to the west of St Mary鈥檚.

Rob Deck, Lend Lease鈥檚 Elephant and Castle project director, said: 鈥淭he decision to give the go ahead for our St Mary鈥檚 Residential plans is the most significant milestone to date in the 拢1.5bn regeneration of Elephant and Castle.

鈥淭he development will offer exceptionally located homes which put sustainability, comfort and modern lifestyle at the heart of the design. St Mary鈥檚 Residential is also a bold visual marker for the wider regeneration of the area.鈥

Completion of the St Mary鈥檚 project is expected in December 2015, with the leisure centre being completed in autumn 2014.