THE chief executive of the Royal Free said he was "delighted" after the Hampstead hospital's application to build a seven story medical research centre was unanimously approved by Camden planning chiefs last night (Thursday). 

David Sloman's NHS trust had faced strong criticism from the neighbouring St Stephen's Church whose chairman of trustees described the design as a "21st century carbuncle" and said there had been no guarantees that the Grade I listed building's foundations would be protected. 

Before the meeting, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips had described the designs as "atrocious" and "grotesque" in an official objection.

The £38million centre will be run by UCL scientists and will be the only one of its kind in Europe. Experts say it will provide groundbreaking research in the field of immunology that will save lives. 

But its bulk and appearance has alarmed Hampstead residents and conservation groups, dozens of which filed objections before the meeting. 

Councillor Phil Jones told the meeting: "It is a question of balance. But the significance as a medical facility is tremendously beneficial." 

The Heath Strange memorial garden and current hospital car park will be demolished this year and the building is expected to be competed by 2017. 

A new garden for patients – half the size of the current space – will be built at the upper floors of the building. A new car park with 42 fewer spaces will be built, with access through the ambulance drop off point. 

Five out of five councillors – Danny Beales, Andrew Harrison, Abi Wood, Stephen Stark and Phil Jones on the development control committee – voted in favour of the new application.