Row over building society tower

The present Bristol and West tower has 17 storeys

A £40m development scheme, which includes demolishing a massive city centre office block, could lead to an even taller building appearing in its place, if plans are approved.

The site of the Bristol and West Building Society tower in the city's Broad Quay was to be redeveloped as part of a plan to build offices, flats and shops.

Crosby Homes advanced a plan to build a 21-storey tower block on the site of the old 17-floor building.

But its proposals have now been revised and a scheme for a 23-storey building - making it the city's tallest - has now been put forward.

Alan Elkan: 'Objection'

Bristol's Civic Society is angered by the plan and said it ignored the latest government advice to planners which counsels against building tall towers.

Chairman Alan Elkan told BBC News Online: "We sent in an objection to the proposed 21-storey building early last year.

"That scheme was then withdrawn, then we get a revised application which adds insult to injury, by adding a few more storeys on to it."

In a letter to the council, the society said: "The developers claim this tower will have a 'wow' factor.

"This is not a factor that is commonly advanced for the improvement of conservation areas and we do not think it is a helpful argument."

Jason Collard, development director of Crosby Homes, told BBC News Online: "We initially submitted an application to the local authority for a 21-storey tower, last August.

The planners are supportive of the fact that the tower was increased from 21 to 23 storeys

Jason Collard

"That went through a detailed process and they made a number of comments and asked for several amendments.

"The planners are supportive of the fact that the tower was increased from 21 to 23 storeys - they say they've been looking for a 'landmark tower' and they believe we are on the route to getting there.

"We are hopeful of planners' support when it goes before them in the spring."

A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: "The council will consider the application on its merits.

"We consulted residents and businesses about the revised application just before Christmas.

"The responses will be considered before the application goes before the planning committee."