London practice Black Architecture has been given planning permission to build a new headquarters for a housing association.

The firm was given the thumbs-up by planners at Lewisham Council meaning work on the building for Phoenix Community Housing Association will start early next year.

It will be built on the site of a former pub in Catford, south-east London, and is due to be completed in 2013. Practice managing director Paul Hinkin said the firm new headquarters will be a sustainable and low energy building.