Boris Johnson ‘called-in’ the City Forum development on City Road in December 2013 after officers from Islington Council refused the application.

Since then, City Hall planners have been working closely with developer Berkeley Homes and the council to bring forward a scheme that can alleviate some of London’s pressing housing needs and regenerate a part of London that is in need of improvement.

The Foster & Partners designed scheme comprises a 42-storey tower block and a 36-storey tower block in an area already designated by Islington Council as suitable for locating a cluster of tall buildings.

The tallest of two residential towers planned by Berkeley Group

The development will include 995 homes, nearly a third of which will be affordable. There will also be a 190-room hotel, a crèche, retail and office space.

Berkeley has agreed to start work within two years as a condition of planning.

Johnson said: “London is enjoying an unprecedented population boom and by 2030 will become the first city in Europe to be home to ten million people. Building new homes and creating more jobs is absolutely crucial so that we can ensure this growth is sustainable.”

Since taking on the role of planning authority, the Mayor’s team has negotiated with Berkeley Homes to ensure that the developer funds all of the affordable housing themselves.

Berkeley has agreed to build the affordable homes early in the construction process and committed to make substantial progress on the scheme within two years.

City Forum development will consist of nine blocks.