AMENDED proposals for flats on the seafront in West Kirby have been approved.

Councillors gave the go-ahead for a house on South Parade to be redeveloped into eight flats with cycle stores, refuse store and car parking spaces, during a planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

An original scheme for 10 flats on the sight was rejected during in August 2015.

Hoylake and West Kirby councillor Gerry Ellis, who described the last plans as a "carbuncle on the face of West Kirby promenade," welcomed the amendments.

He told the Globe: "It's distinctly better than the previous plan, but the opposition was as vociferous as it was last time.

"We all know something would be built on the site sooner or later, but I think what's been approved is an ugly, horrendous-looking development, which looks more like an office building than housing.

"I suppose, in some way, it's a small victory for residents, too. Because of their campaiging, an original plan for 10 flats was rejected, which resulted in the drawing up of a revised scheme for eight flats that don't back onto surrounding homes.

"I'm also concerned about the size of the car-parking space and the exit onto the main road."

As part of the consultation process 16 letters of objection and two of support were received by the planning authority.

Protestors said the size, scale and design of the scheme made it inappropriate and 'out of character' with the area.

There were also concerns the development would cause parking and traffic problems and lead to loss of privacy.

Those in favour said the flats would be "a breath of fresh air" as they felt some properties along South Parade are run down and dated architecture.

In their view the modern design would be a welcome addition to the area.

Among those objecting last time the development was proposed was Norma Canevali, then director of nearby sheltered housing block Simon Court next door to the proposed development.

She said at the time: "It's quite obvious that something will happen with the piece of land, but what was put forward was completely out of character for the promenade."