DEVELOPERS have scaled down ambitious plans to regenerate part of Winchester city centre.

Thornfield Properties is reducing the size of the Silver Hill scheme in Winchester by up to 20 per cent following a public consultation during the summer.

Thornfield boss Michael Capocci said he had listened to the public feedback and amended the scheme, which envisages shops, offices, restaurants, homes, public open space and a new bus station being created in the run-down area between The Broadway and Friarsgate.

The maximum height will now be six storeys instead of seven; the size and shape of buildings will be more varied; office space will be doubled after pressure from local businesses; the number of shops will be cut from 47 to about 40, and the number of houses will be reduced to 285 from the 364 proposed last year.

The next stage in the process will be for the city council, as a development partner, to agree to the planning application being submitted.

The council will debate whether the scheme meets the planning brief on December 12 and at full council on February 1.

The developer is preparing to submit a planning application in early spring of 2006. The city council will probably approve it later in 2006. A public inquiry is almost certain.

Council leader Sheila Campbell said: "There was a fear that the retail part might undermine the High Street.

"Changes have been made and I'm optimistic they are the right ones."

Mr Capocci said: "The public participation was excellent. We have taken feedback and adapted the scheme. I think most people will like it. Our feedback is that all the people are thrilled by it."

Once planning permission is granted, it is hoped building work will start in 2007 and be finished by 2010.

The city council is talking to the YMCA about the possibility of operating a youth venue.

Mr Capocci said that a number of well-known upmarket national chains were interested in opening outlets in the city.

Winchester Residents' Association chairman Alan Weeks said: "They have certainly listened to what people have said, and the plans show a lot of detailed work.

"What we would like to see is a development that is attractive and that reflects the special nature of the city."