PLANS to build hundreds of student flats at Hythe Quay have been resubmitted after fears were raised over a reduction in the amount of daylight for neighbours.

Beyond the Box had already put forward revised proposals for studio apartments in the Hythe last year, reducing the scheme from 300 flats to 270.

At a planning committee meeting in February, Colchester councillors deferred a decision on the plans, calling the scheme “overdevelopment”, but finding they had limited legal grounds for refusal.

Planning officers told the meeting key benefits of the scheme would include investment in rebuilding a sea wall and the clearing of rubbish from the Colne.

Officer James Ryan told councillors meeting the estimated costs of repairing the sea wall – which is “effectively collapsing” – neared £1 million.

Among objections to the scheme, Spinnaker pub landlord Rob Isbister said families and communities on this side of the river would be impacted by the proposals.

He told the meeting: “Please, please don’t exchange it for this oversized monstrosity on a totally inadequate strip of land.”

In its new plans the developer said it has addressed the planning committee’s reasons for deferral.

Among adjustments made, a statement attached to the plans said Beyond the Box had implemented a two-storey reduction in the height of the tallest part of the proposed buildings.

The buildings would now range from five to eight storeys.

Gazette: CGI images of the original designsCGI images of the original designs

The statement said: “The tallest building will now be lower than the highest parts of the neighbouring Maltings and Hythe Mills developments.

“Adjustments have been made to the form of the building roofs in some places to help limit the impact on light to neighbouring properties.

“Buildings have been moved further away from the adjacent road, again to help limit the impact on light to neighbouring properties, and to create a better feeling of space on Hythe Quay.”

The flats would feature communal and individual kitchens, en-suite shower rooms, a cinema room, a gym and games and leisure space.

Further adjustments have now been made to provide larger communal kitchens, increased laundry space and an “improved layout” for cycle parking and maintenance space.

Beyond the Box said moving the buildings away from the adjacent road had allowed for space for an additional delivery bay for student pick up and drop off, as well as an overspill parking bay.

The plans will be considered by Colchester Council’s planning committee once again.