A developer's second attempt to build more than 250 student homes in Norwich city centre has been narrowly refused by councillors - much to the delight of people living in an existing development next door.

Developer SCY Student Accommodation Ltd had bid to build a block of 252 student flats on the former Sentinel House car park on Surrey Street - an application that sparked more than 50 objections from members of the public.

Many of these came from people living on Carlton Terrace, who raised fears over how the proposed block would impact their homes.

There were cheers from the public gallery as members of Norwich City Council's planning committee refused the revamped second application by the narrowest of margins - by six votes to seven.

However, the cheers could soon turn to fears, with the developers still waiting on the outcome of an appeal against the refusal of the initial application for 280 flats, which was turned down last December.

The revised scheme, which saw the building cut down in size and the number of flats reduced, had been recommended for approval by council officers. However, after hearing objections from five different neighbours, the committee voted the scheme down.

Allison Hickey, of Carlton Gardens, said: 'The small alterations to the plans will make no difference at all. I fail to see where previous concerns have been addressed,

'All we will be able to see when we look out is beer bottles in windows. I also do not see how filling the city centre with students will help reduce the problem of drug taking in the city.'

Geraldine Scott, also of Carlton Gardens, said the development would lead to a reduction in sunlight the existing homes would receive, which would be detrimental to the mental health of those living there.

Councillors refused the application on the grounds that it would have detrimental impact on the existing residents of Carlton Terrace due to lack of light and an overbearing relationship.

However, if the appeal is allowed, the development will receive full planning permission for its original, 280 flat design.