The country’s tallest residential tower will be built in Croydon following a heated council meeting.

The Menta application on Cherry Orchard Road has split opinion with hundreds of letters both for and against.

Such was the public feeling, an overspill was needed for the gallery as boos and cheers greeted the councillors discussions at the strategic planning meeting on Thursday night.

Central to the proposal is a 55-storey residential tower, with objectors claiming it was too high and would cast a shadow almost a kilometre long on spring evenings.

Those against the proposals included Gavin Barwell, MP for Croydon Central, who said locals wanted regeneration but not at the cost of the sky-scraper.

He said: “The price residents are having to pay is too high.”

He was joined by London Assembly Member Steve O’Connell who added his objection.

He said: “We all aspire to the regeneration of Croydon.

“However I do have a problem with the scheme around the tower which will overlook a residential area.”

But vice-chairman of the strategic planning committee Councillor Jason Perry voiced his support saying this was a “once in a lifetime opportunity” and the council had to “be bold”.

The proposed development also includes a hotel, a new Porter and Sorter pub with offices above, and affordable housing on the corner of Oval Road.

The application was eventually passed with six votes to five.