The town of Woking may be best known for the HG Wells novel The War of the Worlds, with the Martians making their initial landing just outside the town on Horsell Common, but it will soon feature residential skyscrapers tall enough to dwarf even a terrifying tripod.

Malaysian developer EcoWorld London had initially seen its plans to build a high-rise cluster featuring 965 flats turned down, but the government has overruled the planning decision and the surrey commuter town is set to see its skyline transformed.

Curtain walling contractors may be particularly busy as work gets underway on the project, with EcoWorld London keen to get started as soon as possible. The construction cost will be £190 million, with the finished development having a value of £330 million.

As well as four towers – the tallest of them set to be 32 storeys high after the plans were revised down from 36 storeys – the Goldsworth Road development will also have 14,000 sq ft of commercial space and a new homeless shelter. This will be contained in a podium that will link three of the towers.

Managing director of Ecoworld London Conor McGahon said: “We at EcoWorld London are totally committed to creating positive change for Woking and are very pleased to be granted planning permission to progress with our exciting plans.”

He added that the firm plans to work in partnership with Woking Council to provide “much-needed new homes, biodiverse green spaces and retail all set within extensive pedestrian-friendly public space for everyone to enjoy”.

A development that will include a new tallest building in the town has not gone down well with everyone, especially after the initial rejection of the plans.

Speaking to Get Surrey, John Summers, a member of a local campaign group opposed to the development, said: “I think it’s hugely disappointing to see this outcome, overturning the decision made by the councillors elected by Woking residents.”

He claimed the new towers will “loom” over nearby low-rise terraced homes and create heavy traffic congestion.