EIGHT flats which residents fought not to be built have now been welcomed in a Yate road as the "most prestigious" development in the town.

People living in Eggshill Lane last year condemned the proposed build as "ugly" and councillors supported them by throwing out the planning application.

Now the flats have been built, however, some residents have changed their minds and are pleased with the end result.

William Simms, who lives next door to the development, told the Gazette: "The flats are nowhere near as imposing as we thought they could be and I am very pleased with them.

"It is the nicest construction in Eggshill Lane and they are the most prestigious flats in Yate."

He added: "There is a massive shortage of flats in Yate and these are for first-time buyers."

South Gloucestershire Council's planners unanimously decided to throw out the plans -originally for ten flats - in January last year.

Cllr Alan Lawrance then said: "It is quite clearly out of character with the surrounding residential area and would appear to have an over-bearing aspect. "I suspect that impact on local residents would be substantial."

The application was eventually won on appeal.

The one and two-bedroom flats, built by Mangotsfield-based Helmglade developers, are currently on sale priced between £115,000 and £130,000.

Mr Simms praised the developers for regular meetings with residents and striking up a "good relationship".