Revised plans for Colchester’s new Cultural Quarter have been submitted in the face of ongoing criticism from campaigners.

Developer Alumno has submitted a raft of amended documents relating to a number of changes to the controversial scheme for the redevelopment of the St Botolph’s area.

Among the design changes, the number of student rooms has been been reduced by 52, from 388 to 336.

According to a planning statement, the change has been made to facilitate external amendments to the area, including the lowering in height of building walls.

Alumno has also proposed moving the western edge of the development a further 2.5m back, maintaining a 7m gap between the historic Roman Wall and the development.

Historic England had raised concerns the development would cause “unjustified harm” to the internationally important town wall and nearby St Botolph’s Priory.

Changes have also been made to the shopfronts of the retail space included in the plans, and the entrance to the 87-bed Travelodge hotel has been redesigned.

According to the documents, Alumno has worked to create a “more varied skyline” when the development is viewed from a distance.

The top of the attic storey has been amended to slope back to reduce visibility from the street.

The design of public open space John Ball Square has been revised and the Rampart Walk has been widened.

More trees will also be planted in the public areas surrounding the development.

The documents show five per cent of rooms will be adapted for use by wheelchair users, and five per cent will be capable of being adapted at a later date.

A new north-south pedestrian street is proposed, which may be named ‘Southgate’ after the old name for Queen Street. This will extend through a new opening in the old theatre yard wall at the south, to Priory Street, and link up with the existing path through the Priory ruins, St Botolph’s Church, and on to the station.

Various studies looked at alternative locations for the hotel and student accommodation. It was concluded Queen Street was most suitable.

The north end of the buildings will be set “sufficiently south” to provide clear visibility of Firstsite.

Deputy leader of Colchester Council Tim Young, councillor responsible for business and culture, said: “I think the new plans look impressive and have taken into account the concerns raised by Historic England, who now seem to be very happy with the scheme.

“I think it is an improvement and it will now go through the planning process.

“We won’t satisfy all of the campaigners but hopefully some of them will look at the changes and see Alumno are listening to some of the objections which have been raised.

“Some people will never be pleased, but now it will be up to the planning committee to decide.”

The original proposals attracted more than 400 objections, however some traders based in the area spoke out in support of the plans.

A decision will be made by Colchester Council’s planning committee in early 2019.