Herzog & De Meuron extension gets green light despite last minute protests

The extension to the Tate Modern has been given the green light by Southwark Council despite protests.

The council's planning committee last night approved the extension despite a last minute objection by IPC Media which is moving into a building opposite the proposed site.

IPC complained that the Tate extension designed by Herzog & De Meuron would lead to overlooking issues and a loss of privacy.

Work on the 12-storey extension to the south-west of the existing Tate Modern is expected to start in September 2008 and be opened by 2012.