An 18-storey office block will be built on top of Shoreditch High Street Overground station.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has approved designs for the tower as part of a wider redevelopment of the area.

Two years ago, developers Ballymore and Hammerson were given the go ahead for the whole project, which has been named Bishopsgate Goodsyard.

Once completed, the scheme will create around 500 new homes, a 2.6 acre public park, restaurants, shops and offices.

The latest planning permission relates to the specific design of a new 18-storey office block to be built above Shoreditch High Street Overground station.

Shops will also be created at street level in Bethnal Green Road and Shoreditch High Street, as well as a new road connecting to Brick Lane.

Additional planning permission was also secured by the developers earlier this year to restore five derelict buildings in Sclater Street.

Designs to restore five buildings in Sclater Street have also been approvedDesigns to restore five buildings in Sclater Street have also been approved (Image: Chris Dyson Architects)

This will eventually provide new shops, cafés and co-working spaces. Three new homes will also be created on the upper floors of the buildings.

These are the first detailed designs for the scheme approved by the GLA, but plans relating to other areas of the site are expected to be presented in the coming months.