A five-star, 256-room hotel in Finsbury Square has been given the go-ahead by a Town Hall planning committee.

Luxury hotel group Montcalm will convert Royal London House, an empty 1950s office block.

Islington Council refused permission in 2014 due to the loss of office space but its decision was overturned by a planning inspector.

Four floors have already been demolished and rebuilt. The 10th floor will have a restaurant.

Montcalm says the hotel, due to open this summer, will bring 200 jobs to the area. The 90,000sq ft building was acquired in 2011 for £25m and with planning permission is now worth around £100m.

Montcalm has promised £200,000 to St Luke’s Community Centre, in nearby Central Street, and work placements for students of Central Foundation Boys’ School, in Cowper Street.

• Keywords
  HOTELS, OFFICE BUILDINGS, PLANNING
• Geographical keyword
  FINSBURY SQUARE
• Persons keyword
  Finsbury Square Royal London House, Finsbury Square Montcalm Hotel