A LOCAL development watchdog has stepped into the row over the controversial design of the £4m block of flats a developer wants to build on a landmark site in the heart of Dartmouth.

Dartmouth and Kingswear Society has condemned the contemporary design as unsuitable and accused architects of producing a 'rigid' and 'slab-like' building.

Developers want to build the complex of six luxury flats on the old St John Ambulance site on a prime location at the bottom of College Way just a road width from the North Embankment and the River Dart.

Although there is already a planning permission in place for a more traditional-style complex of flats, architects have put together a new glass and concrete modern design covering exactly the same footprint.

Town councillors have already said they like the contemporary design and are supporting the project. South Hams Council's development control committee – which will make the decision over the planning application – has yet to debate the project and will not now meet again until September 5.

Meanwhile, Dartmouth and Kingswear Society has declared its opposition to the design of the flats.

In a statement, the amenity group declared: 'The St John's Ambulance site occupies an important entry point to the town.

'The Dartmouth and Kingswear Society wants to see a landmark building there, but does not believe the design currently being proposed for a six apartment building is suitable.

'Landmark buildings are often striking and unusual in design, but what the architect is currently proposing for the prominent façade overlooking Coronation Park is not appropriate next to the Ship in Dock and the other listed buildings at the foot of Ridge Hill.

'The society does not want to see some pale imitation of traditional Dartmouth buildings.

'The architect's idea of evoking the sailing traditions of the town is good but the harsh, angular lines and lack of symmetry of the present design, together with the uncompromising flat roof do not reflect that tradition.

'A water or sailing reference is highly appropriate but some curvilinear forms rather than the rigid slab-like geometry of the present are needed to create a truly outstanding design of the right quality, particularly on the north façade.'