A DEVELOPER hoping to spruce up a city grot spot has made a bid to make proposed new flats more affordable.

Newland Homes has already been granted planning permission for 98 apartments and four other units on the former Kwik Save site.

But the Cheltenham-based company has launched another planning bid to build 119 flats, with a larger number of smaller apartments in order to make the development "more marketable".

In a statement submitted to Gloucester City Council planners, a spokesman for the company said: "This change is driven by the need to secure a viable and marketable redevelopment at this derelict site.

"The amended design, even though it proposed only minor modifications was arrived at following extensive discussions with the planning departments, and involved detailed consideration using computer modelling. The consented scheme was made up primarily of two-bed units, and we were subsequently advised to change this to a more even mix of two and one beds.

"It is also considered that one bed units are by definition more 'affordable' and this mix will provide a broader appeal. Unfortunately this development has also been caught in the recession that has particularly effected flats."

He added: "This is a tremendous location, next to the city centre, the train station, bus station, hospital, shopping centre, and employment opportunities. Its regeneration will be a long term benefit, and this proposal, once approved, will bring that event closer."

The changes have been welcomed by community leaders, including City Centre Community Partnership chairman Barry Leach.

Mr Leach said: "We were fully supportive of the development in its form, and these changes we view as only improving the site.

"It's adding better design features and making the site safer, as well as taking on board our suggestions about waste disposal. Because of the change in the number and type of flats, this will make the site a lot more affordable, which is more attractive in the city centre residential area."

But some concerns have been raised by the city council's urban design officer Matt Haslam.

He said: "The design and access statement mentions a more even mix of two and one bed flats, but given the large numbers involved in the development, this will mean a large number of single bedroom units.

"Policy talks about the need to build balanced communities. These units are the least adaptable to change and attract a very tight range of occupier types.