Plans to build a seven-storey block of flats previously likened to Canary Wharf have resurfaced following a redesign.

Fifty apartments featuring 10 parking spaces are now earmarked for an “eyesore” patch of land in Malvern Road, Dover, which has been left abandoned for years.

The proposals have been put forward by developer and architect David Andrew who has redesigned the block after a previous plan was refused by Dover District Council (DDC) in May last year.

Neighbours argued the site was out of keeping with the area, with one comparing the scheme to a part of London’s business district.

Resident Matthew Vine, of nearby Clarendon Street, said: “We do not need a tower block. This is Clarendon, not Canary Wharf.”

But now Mr Andrew says he has reworked the designs to be “more consistent and more responsive” to the area.

Refreshed computer-generated images show the dark grey colour previously set for the exterior has been swapped for white, and a “stepping” design has been introduced to give the appearance of townhouses rather than flats.

The number of homes has also been reduced from 52 to 50, but will still be spread across seven storeys, including a basement.

London-based Mr Andrew says he has tried to “retain familiarity without compromising on design” of the scheme, which would be his first in Kent.

“The redesign followed a rethink to address the associated objections,” he said.

“Careful consideration has been given to the development height, massing and exterior treatment.

''Much like the previous proposal, this new proposal has a vertical bias, but noticeably distinctive is the stepping of the whole building, rather than just the facade treatment, which is now much more consistent and more responsive to the site, street topography and neighbouring properties on Malvern Road.”

However, one thing that has not changed is the number of parking spaces on offer at the site, which is not included in DDC’s Local Plan.

The 10 parking spaces will be exclusively for electric vehicles, either privately owned or owned and managed by a car share company, something neighbours previously said was not ideal in an area already overcrowded with cars.

In response to complaints about parking, Mr Andrew added: “The site's accessibility by non-car based modes of travel is the primary case for the proposed car parking provision to best promote green modes of transport.

“This will reduce both traffic and CO2 emissions in line with DDC’s Local Plan and national policies.”

When the former plans were refused, Mr Andrew lodged an appeal but this was thrown out in April when the planning inspector said the “adverse impacts” of the proposal “significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits”.

Planning documents submitted to DDC by J Butterworth Planning Limited, on behalf of Mr Andrew, describe the land as a “blighted site” which serves as an “eyesore and haven for antisocial activity”.

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If approved, the development will be made up of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties.

There will be private amenity areas for almost half of the flats via balconies or terraces at the front at ground level and second, third, fourth and fifth-level units at the rear.

Up to 54 covered cycle parking spaces are also included in the refreshed scheme, which has attracted nine objections from residents.