Plans for a 70-level skyscraper that will tower over one of Melbourne's most celebrated apartment buildings, and the historic Mint complex, has raised the ire of residents and a prominent city planner.

On Saturday, Planning Minister Richard Wynne gave the nod to a hotel and apartment tower at 383 La Trobe Street, to replace an office building used by the Australian Federal Police.

An artist's impression of the proposed tower, from Flagstaff Gardens, and how it would dwarf the Republic building.

The skyscraper will be precisely double the height of the acclaimed Republic tower next door (below). Designed by architect Nonda Katsalidis and completed in 1999, the Republic is recognised as one of the city's best residential towers.