A controversial plan for a hotel is back on the table following a redesign, but opponents fear it could still irreversibly change the Rochester skyline for the worse.

Proposals for a 140 bed, six storey hotel in Corporation Street, opposite the railway station, were lambasted as an eyesore with the “architectural elegance of a row of breeze blocks” when they were revealed last year - prompting designers to go back to the drawing board.

A new plan from DHA Planning was due to be displayed at a public consultation at the Princes Hall in the Corn Exchange, from 4-8pm today.

Rochester West Cllr Stuart Tranter, who sits on Medway's planning committee, said the flood of objections - particularly those of Historic England - had prompted the redesign.

"A lot of people were concerned about the scale and size of of the building," he said. "It seemed to hide the cathedral from the station, and people thought it was too big.

"I'm on the planning committee so I can't say anything which implies I approve or disapprove, but they've gone away and redone it - the building will look more like three separate buildings joined together with glass corridors.

"Investments such as this are potentially of great economic importance to Rochester so we must get it right.

"I think it's important we understand that making Rochester more attractive and making it easier to stay here, whether it's for business or leisure, can only be of benefit to everybody that lives here because it helps uplift the entire economy with restaurants and shops and such like."

Although some had raised concerns over a lack of associated parking, Cllr Tranter believed many visitors would arrive at nearby Rochester railway station, or on the bus.

Others were less convinced of its potential merits.

Commenting on Twitter Lindsey Burke said: "It’s hideous! I can only think they are trying to replicate the design of the station when instead the design should fit with the history of Rochester High Street."

Ruth Bowker wrote: "Just another bland block with some glass stuck on to look modern. Boring and lazy and cheap. It will not improve Rochester."

Tracey Conelly added: "That will be an abomination on the landscape. Did the architect win the prize for the worst design for Rochester?"