PLANS to create a 'Kremlin-like' apartment block on Preston's marina have been thrown out, despite claims it could wreck the town's city status bid.

Councillors voted to reject plans to create a 10-storey apartment block surrounded by smaller buildings, overlooking the docks.

Council officers had recommended it be approved, despite overwhelming opposition from locals, who had written letters, signed petitions and even picketed the maritime festival in a bid to stop the 171-flat project.

But the Newfield Jones plans may be redesigned, omitting the tower, which residents feared would block out sunlight and dominate the marina.

Ward councillor Elaine Abbot said: "There are issues like drainage to be considered. No one knows what effect all that extra sewage will have on the area. There also isn't enough parking and the area is already congested.

"We are not against development on the site. We want that, but not on this scale. When a council receives 167 letters of complaint, you know something is wrong."

Coun John Browne added: "It look likes the Kremlin, it's that big." But Coun Pat Whittle claimed: "Preston's marina needs a building of this size to complete it."

No one from Newfield Jones was prepared to comment about the possibility of an appeal, and declined to comment on the matter.

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