Birmingham city centre’s landmark Ringway Centre is to be demolished and replaced with three tower blocks.
Campaigners had wanted the empty Brutalist architectural site on Smallbrook Queensway repurposed rather than knocked down.
Developer Commercial Estates Group is set to build 1,750 flats in its place.
The proposals were passed by the city council planning committee in an narrow vote of seven to six in favour of the development.
In a final plea to the council committee Birmingham architect John Christophers, appearing on behalf of the “Save The Ringway Centre” group, said: “We care about the future of this city and this application must be refused for our heritage, our homes and climate.