Views are split on £20m flats

Developers claim the eight-storey, wave-shaped building would be an "iconic gateway" to the town.

Critics, who likened the original design to a KGB headquarters, are happier with this toned-down version, but some are still worried balconies would be festooned with washing.

The proposal, for a site next to the M54 at Shifnal Road, Priorslee, was first unveiled last summer by Clutton Homes.

The distinctive looking building has been designed by WS Atkins, the firm which created the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai.

Many of the flats would have balconies and some would have roof terraces and conservatories.

There would also be 185 basement car parking spaces.

The original drawings were rejected last month by Telford & Wrekin Council after members said the building would be too intrusive.

But the new design with "a beige sandstone-type render on both sides of the building to reflect the colour of local stone" has won their approval.

Permission depends on the developers stumping up more than £200,000 towards educational, recreation and road improvements and providing 22 shared ownership homes.

Councillor Kuldip Singh Sahota, who attacked the original design for looking "like a KGB headquarters", said he much preferred the softer appearance of the second design when it came before the council's plans board on Wednesday.

Borough planning officers also hailed what they said would be a landmark building for Telford.

But Councillor David Blackwell was not convinced, saying: "They are going to be putting washing on the balconies.

"I cannot see how we can have an iconic building with lots of washing draped outside it."

Councillor Rosemary Chaplin said: "Look at the big blocks of flats down in London where we've got lines of washing. I am afraid I cannot support it."

Julian Pye, planning officer, told members lines of washing were not a material planning consideration.

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