Controversial proposals to build a retirement complex in Eaton were today given the go-ahead.

Developers McCarthy & Stone today secured permission from Norwich City Council for 62 'retirement living' apartments and 57 units for 'assisted living' on Bartram Mowers' site off Bluebell Road.

There had been more than 50 objections to the application, including from Cringleford Parish Council and the Yare Valley Society.

The site is next to the Yare Valley and objectors said it would harm the character of that valley because of the scale and design of the buildings.

Dr Paul Hann, from the Yare Valley Society, said: 'Sadly, when we saw these plans we were deeply disappointed. Our two main objections are about density and the design.'

He said the character of the area would not be preserved.

Judith Lubbock, Liberal Democrat councillor for Eaton, said she accepted the principle of development, but that the application did not respect the uniqueness of the site.

Among other objections were that the plans would lead to traffic jams in Bluebell Road.

Agents for the developers said the design did take into account the impact on the Wensum Valley and that it would make a 'significant contribution' towards housing supply in Norwich, and particularly for specialist accommodation for the elderly.

Officers at City Hall recommended approval, with the original plans having been revised to reduce the height of part of the complex from three to two storeys.

And councillors voted by six votes to three, with one abstention, to approve the plans.

Labour's Marion Maxwell, who represents Crome ward, said she welcomed more housing for the over 55s, which she said could mean bigger family houses in the city were freed up.

The city council had previously decided not to allocate the site for housing in a blueprint for development, but that was overturned by a planning inspector, who required it be allocated as housing for over 55s.