A PUBLIC meeting has been called to find a resolution for plans to build student accommodation in the town centre.

Even though a planning application has not yet been submitted, criticism has been raining down on The Alumno Group's plans to build 300-bed student accommodation in St Botolph's Quarter.

Residents and some councillors alike have said the plans are drab and intrusive, and will have a detrimental effect on the town's culture.

Conservative councillors Darius Laws and Simon Crow have written to The Alumno Group, asking to arrange a meeting to discuss potential solutions.

Mr Laws said to them: "We have to be honest and declare we cannot support the plans as they stand.

"Our principle concern is in relation to the north building, Block A, and its impact on the public realm of Firstsite Square - it is just too close to a building designed to be looked at.

"It is also going to impact on the view from the terrace bar at Curzon.

"Any new development needs to have a relationship with Firstsite and Curzon, with each visible to the other two.

"It was comforting to note you would seek to build using bricks not cheap modular buildings with cladding but it is because of this long-term approach to building materials that we must get this site right."

He also suggested some small changes, for example changing the name of the area from Theatre Square to Royal Square.

He added: "It is great you have identified the importance of the Roman City Walls, in the long run being able to walk along the alignment of the Roman City Walls would be fantastic.

"It is also great to see you keen on a night-time lighting strategy."

The Alumno Group said it was following up feedback.

Natalie Greig, development manager at Alumno, said: "Since our public exhibition earlier this month we have been reviewing feedback from the community and also arranging further meetings with local residents’ groups to allow us to discuss these proposals in more detail.

"We are at the moment concentrating on these follow up discussions.”