Controversial plans to build a block of apartments on land at west Hoe go before city planners today.

Developers Devington homes want to put a five story block on the site of the former tennis courts - but campaigners argue it will overshadow the park next to the site and it won't fit in with the surrounding buildings.

Last month they handed a 7000 signature petition to city planners - but the proposals are still recommended for approval.

As well as the application to build the apartments, Devington have applied to demolish a conjoining wall in a separate application.

Frances Baylis from Friends of west Hoe park says though they're glad the two are being considered together, there is a down side as if one application is given the green light, the other probably will be too.

Devington homes say they have listened to locals and have made as many changes to the design as possible.

The company has said it won't compromise on the contemporary design and that they have made as many alterations as they can, by reducing the height of the building from six stories to five.