A rogue developer ordered to tear down an illegal block of flats in Hoxton and pay £700,000 could be allowed to keep it standing after town hall officers backed his new plans.

Yusuf Sarodia of Garland Development Ltd built 34 flats for private rent in Stanway Street, without permission.

He was eventually prosecuted by Hackney Council in a landmark case at the end of 2015, but 18 months on the building is still there covered in scaffolding. Neighbours even feared it was getting bigger last month and work was stopped.

But now, amended proposals have won the support of planners.

In papers published ahead of a meeting on Monday, they said the bid was in line with policy, even though the plans would keep the structure at six storeys.

The number of flats would be reduced to 16, eight of which would be “affordable”, and part of the block would be demolished to shrink its footprint.

There would be more workspace and windows would be removed to stop intrusion into neighbouring homes.