The green light has been given to transform an old electricity works into flats.

Developer Hamilton Lofts has been given the go ahead to convert Hamilton Electricity Works, which sits in a Twickenham conservation area, into 21 flats after a Government’s Planning Inspectorate ruled in their favour following an appeal hearing in June.

Permission was also granted to build six new homes and 24 parking spaces on the site, despite residents’ fears of increased traffic and parking problems.

Planning Inspector Jennifer Vyse said: “As before, the development makes good use of an industrial site that is nearing the end of its useful life, whilst retaining and refurbishing a cherished building of local interest.”

She supported Richmond Council’s request that a “further contribution” should be paid to the authority towards affordable housing in the event of the apartments selling for a higher value than anticipated.

Talbot Road resident Cathy Cooper, who has lead a campaign to protect the building, said: “We’ve won. We’ve had a big success in the fact that we’ve got the building saved.”

However, she added concerns remained about the impact the development would have on traffic in the surrounding streets.

The developer has three years to begin work on the site.