Plans for a high-rise student housing scheme in Southwark are being recommended for approval following viability concerns about an earlier version of the scheme consented for the same site last year.

The latest incarnation of the Sylvan Grove proposals would deliver 688 student rooms, 1,983sq m of commercial space and 23 flats across two buildings – one 34-storey tower and a seven-storey shoulder block. All of the flats will be for social rent and will be in the shoulder block.

Developer Joseph Homes last year secured consent for a scheme for the 0.29ha site that featured 219 homes and 2,986sq m of commercial workspace in a 32-storey tower and a connected five-storey block. The scheme will be designed by architects TP Bennett.