A VICAR is calling for councillors to reject plans to create a three-storey apartment block which he claims is "completely out of character" with his area.

The Rev David Griffiths, vicar of Christ Church in Heaton, has hit out at plans for the high class flats in Victoria Road.

Would-be developers William Hargreaves insist they have made strenuous efforts to ensure the scheme is sympathetic to its surroundings in the sought-after suburb.

They say the plan, which would see the demolition of Victorian house Highfield to be replaced with 12 apartments, is a substantial improvement on a version turned down by councillors in May.

But Rev Griffiths, who says a lot of his parishioners have expressed their concerns about the plan, is far from convinced.

He said: "They have made some very minor changes. It's still completely out of character with the surrounding area.

The vicar believes the impact of the 27 proposed car spaces will not be outweighed by traffic calming measures which William Hargreaves have agreed with highways chiefs.

"The plans will result in a significant increase in traffic at peak times of cars coming into Victoria Road at a very dangerous spot for pedestrians and users of nearby Markland Hill Tennis Club," he said.

"The traffic calming measures proposed will do nothing to ease that.

"I would have hoped that William Hargreaves would put in a development where they had maybe three or four detached homes. I think they are just trying to maximise profit."

But Kelvin Butterworth, William Hargreaves' development director, insisted that the scheme was sympathetic to the Victoria Road area.

He said: "The building is designed to look like a grand house sitting in its own gardens. It will have underground car parking so it's not like there are a lot of garages outside.

"We have spent a lot of time looking at the surrounding houses and it is meant to fit in with them. These apartments are aimed at the upper end of the market and they have to look good.

"I don't think the existing building has a great deal of architectural merit compared to what's going to be put in its place. My view is it will considerably improve the situation."

Mr Butterworth said that the firm had done everything they could to address issues raised by planners when the last application was turned down.

This includes agreeing to fund a traffic calming scheme on Victoria Road and redesigning the apartment block to ensure it does not overlook neighbouring properties.

Councillors will pass their verdict on the application next Thursday.