Southwark Council has approved outline planning permission for a major new Surrey Quays leisure and residential development within the borough's Surrey Docks ward.

The multi-million pound scheme, which will be carried out in phases to enable the existing cinema, bowling alley and bingo hall to remain open, will include a new cinema complex and more than 500 residential units. A leisure building also forms part of the proposals, which will boast restaurants, commercial floor space and public and private open space, as well as student accommodation for more than 120 people.

In addition to the Surrey Quays scheme, the council has also backed plans for the redevelopment of the Decathlon store. The existing store will be expanded and will result in the creation of new waterfront cafés, restaurants and bars. Allies and Morrison Architects, DP9 planning consultants, townscape planners Peter Stewart Consultancy and engineers Faber Maunsell are involved with the scheme, along with surveyors GIA and Waterman Structures.

James Gurling, chair of Southwark Council's planning committee, said: "These are ambitious schemes that will greatly improve the Surrey Quays area for both existing and new residents. The committee considered these applications very carefully and were satisfied with what was put before us. "However, the applications will be referred to the Mayor of London, and the secretary of state for communities and local government, because of their scale."