Ian Ritchie has won planning permission for his controversial design for the Potters Field site near Tower Bridge.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has said it is minded to approve the application subject to conditions and invited the developer, Berkeley Homes, to submit revised plans within six weeks.

The announcement follows a public inquiry into Southwark council’s decision in September, 2003, to refuse planning permission for the scheme.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” said Ian Ritchie.

Cabe welcomed the announcement, praising the project as a “striking and high-quality scheme”.

But Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat MP for North Southwark & Bermondsey, said he was disappointed that the ODPM had approved the scheme, describing Ian Ritchie’s designs as “ghastly”.

“[The designs] just do not fit in with that site at all,” he said. “There is also far more housing than that location, next to a world heritage site, should have. If there is going to be housing, it should take second place to a cultural sector.”

Hughes hoped landowners Berkeley Homes and Southwark Council would agree to amendments in the coming months.

The mixed-use development involves the demolition of a grade II* listed 1930s extension to Lambeth College.