PLANS for a block of student flats in Blackpool could be scrapped over fears of wild behaviour and the building's appearance.

Keyworker Homes (Northwest) Ltd has applied to build an eight-storey student hall of residence on a car park off Coop Street and Shannon Street, Blackpool.

But Blackpool Council officers say councillors should reject the plan because it would be 'incongruous and overbearing' and contravenes the council's Local Plan.

The planning application, put forward in May, prompted 120 objection letters, a 107-signature protest petition, and criticism from Blackpool's Coliseum Trade Association, Bloomfield Ward Conservative Committee, and Blackpool Self-Catering Holiday Association.

The development would include 207 student apartments in four and eight storey blocks, arranged around a central single storey building housing a reception, communal lounge, laundry and other facilities. There would be 49 car parking spaces - 20 for students and staff and 29 for hoteliers and tourists.

Locals fear housing more than 200 students together could lead to noise nuisance, bad behaviour, traffic congestion and other 'social problems', say council officers.

In a report to councillors ahead of a planning committee meeting on Monday, they add that some locals also fear the block will be used to house refugees, homeless people and benefits claimants during vacations or if the building is 'not viable' in future.

And despite designer, Fletcher Smith Architect, saying the development would 'help strengthen Blackpool's emerging southern gateway', council officers believe the building would be an 'obtrusive and strident block form' which would detract from the views of a key landmark, Blackpool Tower, from Seasiders Way - the main route into the town for holidaymakers. The officers' report concluded: "It is felt that the height, scale, bulk and mass of the proposal would be at odds with its immediate surroundings, it would not contribute to the regeneration of the central corridor... it would affect strategic views of the tower and the use would adversely affect amenities of residents through the increased comings and goings associated with 207 students."

Mike Chappell, chairman of the Bloomfield Ward Conservative Association, said objectors would be 'over the moon' if the plans are thrown out. He added: "Can you imagine an eight storey building being the first thing you see as you drive into Blackpool? We are not against students. But I think in the holiday areas we do need more open space."

Blackpool & The Fylde College declined to comment until after the decision. But the college is known to be backing the development as ideal accommodation for students at its Central Blackpool campus, Palatine Road.