The proposed tower building would comprise over 300 new flats as well as 4,785 square metres of office space, shops and a new public square. The existing office building on the site, Eileen House, would be demolished.
The London Borough of Southwark's planning committee advised Johnson in November 2011 that it was minded to refuse the application and the Mayor subsequently notified (2-page / 31KB PDF) the Council that he would determine the application as he considered it to have a "significant" impact on the implementation of the London Plan.
The Council said it had refused the application as the proposal would result in the "unacceptable loss" of business space, it did not provide sufficient affordable housing and that the standards of living accommodation would not justify the high density and height of the building.
The Ministry of Sound nightclub, which is located opposite the proposed development site, has long been opposed to the plans and has argued that assessments of the nightclub's noise impacts on the development were deficient.
The nightclub's chief executive, Lohan Presencer, has said that if the development goes ahead, it is "very likely" that the club will be forced to close, according to a Property Week report.
The Mayor is currently conducting a public consultation on the proposals and he will make a decision on the application at a representations hearing on 26 February.
