A controversial high-rise development on Rotherhithe New Road including a new home for Southwark Free School and a sixth form centre for the City of London Academy could be completed in 2018.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson overruled Southwark Council to approve the 19-storey scheme just before Christmas.

“In the last few weeks we have exchanged contracts for the purchase of a development site on Rotherhithe New Road, Southwark, SE16 for £19 million,” said Jon Di-Stefano, chief executive of Telford Homes.

“The site has planning consent for 148 open market homes and 10 affordable homes in a building ranging from six to 19 storeys alongside the construction of a new primary school and sixth form academy within the lower levels.

“The development is expected to be completed in 2018 and has a gross development value of circa £75 million.”