A tower block that will “stick out like a sore thumb” has been given the go-ahead by councillors despite masses of objections.

A scheme put forward by Hyde Housing wants to demolish the former Venture Greenwich building in Creek Road and build a block of 26 flats as well as ground-floor shops.

A previous application was pushed back in September last year until more information about affordable housing could be provided.

Councillors debated the application last night – and despite finding out that a noise survey was conducted two years ago, and before a new 23-storey-tower had been built down the road, they reluctantly gave it the green light.

Objectors argued that the development would create a tunnel effect on the noisy road, making life worse for those who live there already.

Residents argued that the building would set a precedent that future developments could be approved even higher.

The decision was made after several public objectors, including one on behalf of the Greenwich Society.

Todd Hunter told the meeting: “On the right side of the street there is nothing about six storeys. There should be a more uniform height, this is too high.

“We should stick up for what we think is right in townscape terms.

“This building will stick out like a sore thumb.”

Several residents spoke about their concerns but councillors were told that in the grander scheme of the environment, nine storeys was small in comparison to neighbouring buildings – making it difficult to reject it on those grounds.

The agent for the applicant, Kerry Radford, told the meeting the development has been significantly improved since a referral in September, and that it would bring a building in disrepair back into use with much needed housing.

The developer has included six affordable housing units in the plan, after negotiations with the council to help fund more than the initially proposed two.

Councillors noted that the developer had worked well with the council to revise the proposals since it was last put before them in September.

Chairing the meeting, Councillor Sarah Merrill said: “All these decisions are difficult and I understand the problems with the noise test. I have complete sympathy with the objectors but it is very difficult because there are huge buildings there and by comparison, this isn’t. I don’t agree that it it isn’t in keeping the surroundings. Some arguments are difficult to substantiate.”

Cllr Geoffery Brighty said the height of the building was too high and did not support the application, however Cllr Nigel Fletcher said that although it was a “few storeys too high” the grounds for refusal were not strong enough.

He said: “Whilst I’m not entirely happy with it I will be supporting it.”

Cllr Merrill finished: “Whilst I do have enormous sympathy with the objectors we just do not have the grounds to refuse this.”

The application was passed five to four.