The controversial Arcadia development was last night approved by Ealing Council.

People packed the gallery and viewing room at Ealing Town Hall as the council's planning committee took three-and-a-half hours to decide the matter.

Seven people spoke against the development at the hearing, along with representations from councillors and supporters of the proposal.

Committee chairman Ian Potts threatened to adjourn the meeting at one point after members of the public booed speakers supporting the development.

But in the end the majority of committee members voted nine-to-one in favour of the plans, subject to referral to the Government Office for London, the Greater London Authority and a legal agreement.

James Guest, of Walpole, Kingsdown and Ealing Fields' Residents Assocations, said: "I'm very disappointed.

"This is an opportunity to do something really good for this site but the committee have settled for something incredibly average.

"The developer said they're not going to start building it for another three years, so why are we rushing it?"

But student Sophie Holmes, 22, of West Ealing was happy with the decision. She said: "I'm happy about it. I think it would be good for Ealing town centre."

The mammoth development, scheduled to begin construction around 2012, is set to include a copper-plated tower standing 122m tall with glass balconies overlooking Haven Green.

It will add another 567 homes to the town centre, and link Haven Green with Ealing Broadway by 'rafting' over the dividing railway line and creating a network of pedestrian routes.

It will also incorporate 37 retail and cafe/restaurant units, and 79 affordable homes along with indoor and outdoor children's play areas.

Developer Glenkerrin submitted its original proposal and modified it numerous times as well as carrying out a consultation earlier this month.