Coventry councillors have refused permission for a 544-bed student accommodation block that has been strongly opposed by neighbours.

Developers wanted to knock down a two-storey office building at Westwood Way for purpose built student flats six storeys high at their tallest point.

The council's lead planning officer said plans should be approved as the block would "respect the scale and character of the surrounding area."

But the scheme was met with an outcry from locals, who lodged 86 objections and signed petitions in their hundreds opposing it. 

Residents speaking at a meeting yesterday, 20 July, claimed the block would be an "eyesore" and "dominate the skyline." 

"It's a cramped development that will be visually oppressive and will materially harm the amenities of residents," summarised one of the five who contributed statements.

All three local councillors who had sent in petitions against the scheme were also there in person to speak against it.

Cllr Marcus Lapsa highlighted the effect on people whose gardens back onto the land. "This would be like having a student village next door," he said.

James Gillespie of developers Gilltown, speaking for the plans, said 20 evergreen trees would be planted at the back of the block and would reach the size of a two stoery building by the time students move in.

"With regards to scale the building steps from three storeys closest to residents and is only six storeys at more than 70 storeys away from the nearest house," he added.

Mr Gillespie also pointed out that the plans had been recommended for approval with no objections from various council departments.

Council officers also said they had no concerns about the building's separation distance from residents.

But after a lengthy debate taking in points ranging from parking spaces to the need for purpose built accommodation, Coventry councillors voted to reject the scheme by five to two.

A follow-up discussion to confirm the reasons for rejection with officers ruled some concerns out as they wouldn't be upheld on appeal.

This included the loss of employment land and the effect that other student developments in the area have had on residents – mainly that of noise and anti-social behaviour complaints.

Overall, councillors agreed the main concerns were over the scheme's size, the intensity of the development and impact on residents and the street scene.