It contains two scheduled monuments, is of national importance archaeologically and has stood in the way of re-development of Gloucester city centre of years - until now.

We are talking about what is known in city centre circles as the Blackfriars site, already half redeveloped by the University of Gloucestershire and now plans for its phase two work have been given permission.

As well as unearthing history of significance from the Saxon, Norman and Roman periods so the plans for accommodation for 186 students also brought to the surface concerns and objections in some quarters.

The site, sandwiched north of the old Gloucester Prison, once site of the city's castle, and between Westgate Street and the Docks, has been subject to numerous false-starts over decades.

Objects came in from the inhabitants of another historic site - the adjacent Bearlands House

"It's impact will have a devastatingly negative effect on Bearland House, a beautiful Grade 2* Listed building of historic importance to Gloucester and the public," said one letter lodged during the planning process.

It claimed the development would have a detrimental impact on the work of shirtmaker Emma Willis, at Bearland House, which employs 28 staff.

Similar concern was also expressed by the Gloucester Civic Trust, which "supports the principle of the application... on land which has been in various states of dereliction for 35 years".

It added: "We are disappointed that the opportunity has not been taken to produce the sort of cutting-edge development associated with University of Gloucestershire schemes in the past."

The trust considered "unacceptable" what it called "the bulk and proximity of the multi-storey blocks to the rear of listed buildings in Longsmith Street and to the prison".

Work was carried out to try to accommodate both the scheme and the concerns raised, it appears. The original scheme accommodated 194 students.

"The height, scale and mass of Block F has been reduced on the western end / central section of the block (the section closest to the rear of Bearland House) through the deletion of 6 no. beds - as illustrated below," said Geraint John, of GJP Planning in note to officers at the local authority.

"This further reduction in the height of the Block reduces any potential for a prejudicial impact upon the setting of Bearland House (in combination with the pre-proposed 3 storey element at the western end)."

Further reduction would also begin to make the scheme unviable, said the note.