PLANNED new apartment blocks on the site of former York chocolate factory have been scaled down by developers after an outcry from neighbours.

David Wilson Homes is awaiting planning permission on its scheme to put 240 new homes on the Terry's site on Bishopthorpe Road, but saw scores of objections lodged by residents angry the development could block views of the iconic factory and clock tower.

Now the developers have submitted revised drawings of the proposed buildings, saying they responded to concerns.

Development director Peter Morris said the revised application has reduced three apartment blocks in size, and set others further away from the road to save the views from Millennium Bridge, and reversed earlier plans to get rid of the bund - a raised bank planted with mature trees around the site.

Mr Morris added: “Although the changes mean that we are reducing the total number of new homes on the site from 240 to 229, we understand the concerns neighbours have raised and are happy to make the changes we have put forward in the revised application."

However, the application has also received objections from developers Henry Boot, who own the listed buildings of the former factory.

Papers submitted to the city council's planning department show the company is in talks with Springfield Healthcare Group about converting the former HQ building into a care home, and both firms have told planners the David Wilson Homes schemes would overlook their sites.

But Mr Morris said the revised plans reduced in size the buildings closest to the listed buildings, and increased the separation distances.

He added: “With regard to the concerns expressed by those who are developing the other area of the site, we are confident that the changes we have made in our current application represent a considerable improvement in the setting of the listed buildings.

“What is important now is that we gain planning approval for this final stage of development on the residential area of the site so that we can move ahead quickly to deliver the kind of high quality new homes that the city so desperately needs.”