Controversial proposals for student flats on a Norwich car park have been revived, after a previous bid was rejected after pleas from neighbours.

City councillors turned down plans for more than 280 student flats on the car park in Surrey Street before Christmas, with people living in nearby Carlton Gardens fearing the development would dwarf and overshadow their homes.

Developers SCY Student Accommodation Ltd had wanted to create a complex in the car park once used by Aviva workers in Sentinel House, but councillors turned down the proposal by eight to two, with two abstentions.

They did so on the grounds that the height and massing of the development, which would have ranged from three to eight storeys, would not respect the area and the neighbours.

However, developers have lodged a revised scheme with Norwich City Council.

The number of flats has been cut to 252, while the heights of part of the proposed development has been reduced.

The height of the Queens Road/Sentinel House corner has been reduced from eight storeys to seven storeys, while another section has been reduced by a storey.

The two roof terraces have been removed to address concerns over the potential for noise from students, while angled windows are now included.

Jane Crichton, associate planner for applicant's agent Lanpro, said: 'The resubmission has been prepared to address the comments raised by planning committee members and the public during the determination of the previous application.

'The applicant and design team have continued to work positively and proactively with the council in the preparation of this resubmission and are committed to continuing this to deliver this important urban regeneration project.'

However, neighbours are still opposing the development.

Sheila and Martin Brown, who live in Surrey Street, have written to the council, saying: 'We are dead against the proposal to build student accommodation on the Sentinel House car park.

'It will overlook the rear of our properties in Carlton Gardens and is not wanted by the people at the city end of our road.'

A decision will be made by the city council's planning committee in due course.