A disused Surbiton medical centre is set to be demolished and replaced with 41 flats after plans were approved by councillors.

A planning application to build two four-storey blocks of flats at the site of the former Oakhill Health Centre, none of which will be considered affordable, was presented to councillors at Guildhall on Wednesday.

They voted nine to one in favour of approving the plans, despite neighbours’ concerns over lighting and the scale of the building intruding into their privacy.

Presenting the plans, agent Robin Harper said: “Personally, it’s one of the best schemes I’ve brought forward to a planning committee for many years.

“We believe, and the officers agree, that the impact has been minimised in terms of lighting. In terms of privacy there will be no impact. ”

The proposals include the provision of 13 car parking spaces, four of which are disabled spots, and 72 cycle spaces.

Objecting to the plans, Tim Thursdon, of neighbouring Oak Hill Court, said: “Our suggestion is the building closest to Oak Hill Court is only two or a maximum of three storeys high.

“The creation of such a high building so close to the border is too imposing on the privacy of Oak Hill Court.”

Councillors praised the design of the building for being in keeping with the Victorian character of the area.

But Cllr Jack Cheetham described the parking as “far well below what is acceptable for 41 flats”.