Mayor of London Boris Johnson is to intervene personally in a planning battle involving a Manx company and one of the world's most famous nightclubs.

Oakmayne Properties, based in Athol Street in Douglas, applied to build a 41-storey apartment block over the road from the Ministry of Sound.

But, after the club objected, Southwark Council's planning committee rejected the application in October.

The Ministry of Sound claimed it could be forced out of business if the new homes were built nearby and noise created a problem for residents.

Boris Johnson says he will make a final decision over the fate of the plans using his powers to take the matter out of Southwark Council's hands.

It is the first time the mayor has taken over an application in the borough since the Greater London Authority was given new planning powers in 2008.

Mr Johnson's planning officers say an independent study is needed to look at the scheme's viability.

Meanwhile, the mayor will preside over a public hearing in the chamber at City Hall before he makes his final decision.