Concerns have been raised that a proposed 50 storey tower block would be too high in the town centre.

Initial plans for 900 flats and public space called Queens Square were heard by Croydon’s planning committee on Thursday night.

A pre-application was put forward by R&F Property for land bounded by Katharine Street, St Georges Walk, High Street and Park Street.

The Chinese developer owns the land and already has planning permission for the redevlepment of the Nestle Tower – Construction was set to get underway in August.

The committee heard that the developer wants to pedestrianise Katharine Street outside the town hall.

As well as new homes, shops and restaurants would be included in the plans.

Jonathan Carter, from Rolfe Judd architects, told the meeting: “It’s been designed to offer something different in Croydon, a new urban quarter.

“This development offers something that isn’t available in Croydon.

“It is not just about the existing context we believe the emerging context is incredible important to this scheme.”

He added that a town square setting for the town hall is an ‘extremely important’ part of the plans.

The site includes Segas House which would not be demolished.

But Cllr Clive Fraser, who used to be a planning officer himself, said he was disappointed by the presentation.

“I don’t share that the only way you can bring forward sites in central Croydon is to have taller buildings,” he said.

“I’ve got serious concerns about the approach to the scheme.”

He added that there would be “significant heritage impacts” of a 50 storey building.

Cllr Fraser said: “I think there is a fundamental issue here about this building being too tall.

“I’m yet to be convinced this public realm works I think it would be overshadowed by the tower.”

Ward councillor Niroshan Sirisena was impressed at the fact an art gallery is included in the plans but was not happy with the amount of affordable housing in the plans.

“I think it is a very exciting offer for the town centre I think it seems in tune with providing what is needed to embellish our cultural offer.

“I think Croydon town centre is definitely in need of a town square.

“However I think the offer of just 20% affordable housing falls well short of our local target.

“As we all know we’ve got a nationwide housing crisis and people of my generation and below are probably the first to approach old age being poorer than our parents and unable to get on the housing ladder.”

As it was a pre-application a decision will not be made on the plans yet.

The developer will take away comments of the planning committee before submitting a full planning application in the coming month