A Mitcham auto repair shop will not be demolished to make way for four-storeys worth of flats.

Plans to do away with the building in 96 Church Road were rejected earlier this month despite the applicant stating that the 20 new homes will bring a "modern contemporary building with a traditional aesthetic" to the area.

"It will provide new dwellings of a high standard to enhance the existing housing stock in the local vicinity, as well as to provide affordable housing to people on a varied range of incomes," the application read.

The site is currently occupied by a series of warehouse style buildings with a first-floor office providing an MOT testing course and motor repair workshop.

As well as flats, the now rejected proposal said the ground floor would be used for a shop of some kind with eight car parking spots and 29 spaces for bikes also created.

An earlier version of this story stated that the plans had been approved, they have in fact been rejected.