PLANS to build a 24-bedroom apartment block at Coupee Lane have been withdrawn.

Architect Drew Robertson yesterday confirmed the proposals for the site near Cornet Street were not going ahead but was unable to say why.

Area resident Oliver de la Fosse, 27, was surprised and relieved the plans had been withdrawn.

‘But I’m not against developing the site and I will be interested to see what comes up next,’ he said.

‘New plans will need to be more in keeping with the area. I think three stories would be enough.’

Deputy Gloria Dudley-Owen has been campaigning against the proposals and was concerned about what could happen next. ‘There is already planning permission for a similar-sized project,’ she said. ‘I am worried they will revert to those.’

She thought the public needed to be more involved.

‘We need to work with people and be more considerate,’ she said. ‘This is a serious issue.’

The development was put forward by Coupee Lane Ltd. One of the company directors, Jeremy Rihoy, declined to comment yesterday. He would not confirm whether his company would push ahead with the approved planning permission for nine residential apartments, archive and office space, valid until next month.