WORK has started on a £14m development which includes a tower nine-storeys high.

The former Courts site in Bromley Road, Catford, will be developed into a total of 177 flats along with retail units and parking.

Campaigners had fought a long-running battle against the development, claiming the the five blocks, ranging from three to nine storeys high, would be overbearing.

Developer Lowbridge has appointed Clegg Construction to handle the building work.

A spokesman for Clegg said: "We’re delighted that work has now started on our latest major project.

"Clegg Construction has an excellent track record of delivering large-scale projects of the very highest calibre and this scheme will be no different.

Work is scheduled to finish in February 2014.