PLANS to build an apartment block which would cause ‘significant harm’ to the character of an area have been refused.

Folde Properties Ltd’s proposals to build eight apartments on vacant land, off Kingsway North, have been turned down.

A number of objections were submitted to the authority.

One Kingsway North resident said: “After looking at the plans for this development, I’m amazed that they are even being considered due to some of my neighbours over the past 25 years being refused planning for a two-storey extension because it’s not in keeping with the area – seems to me this developer is proposing these plans to maximise profit regardless of what it looks like.

“Parking will become a hazard if people in the apartments have cars and they have visitors that will park their cars close to a very busy roundabout, which is a main route for ambulances.

“I strongly oppose these plans – build something that is more suitable for the area.”

In the planning decision notice, the council highlighted its concerns.

It said: “The proposed development fails to improve the character and quality of an area and the way it functions.

“The massing does not respect the adjacent built forms, nor respond to the existing context and represents an abrupt change.

“Furthermore, the proposed detailing, form and materials do not appropriately respond to the existing urban fabric.

“As a result, the proposed development would cause significant harm to the sense of place and character and appearance of the street scene.”