Plans to build a 21-storey block of flats on Kingston’s old post office site have been scaled back by developers – by two storeys.

But campaigners opposing the plans claim the modifications do not go far enough.

Following a large public outcry over the initial designs, new drawings have been released by developers St George showing a “more elegant and slender” 19-storey tower.

The new building makes more use of glass than the original proposal, and is also set further back from Wheatfield Way.

But the latest artist’s impressions still show the building would be visible from opposite the Fairfield.

Members of campaign group Kingston Residents’ Alliance (KRA), which is opposing the tower block, met with developers and architects this week.

Tessa Kind, from the KRA, said: “I can see they have made an effort to make the tower more attractive but I don’t think it has gone far enough.

“The tower is either way too high or not iconic enough. If it is going to be Kingston’s biggest building then it might as well be the best."

As a result of the height reduction, the number of proposed homes has also been cut, from 380 to 360. 

But St George has said that only 60 of those homes will be affordable - just over 16 per cent, well below Kingston's Council's 50 per cent target for large developments.  

Ms Kind said: “I am disappointed that they have not changed much of the affordable housing aspect. I think everyone would still like to see more.”

St George submitted its revised planning application last week, and said it hoped the proposal would be heard by Kingston Council’s planning committee on May 14.

A spokesman for St George said: “Since submitting our planning application in December 2014, we have continued our extensive consultation programme and carefully considered the comments received.

“As a result we have made a number of revisions to the application. These include changes to the height of the corner building and improvements to its massing and design.

“If approved, the development would transform the old post office site into a fantastic new destination for Kingston, with new homes, shops and restaurants set around restored heritage buildings and a new public square.”