Kingston University's plans to replace its outdated town hall building in Penrhyn Road were rejected last night.

Councillors voted down the £55m scheme for a new building up to six storeys high with colonnades built out to the pavement, because they felt it would have been too big and not in keeping with nearby buildings.

The new 9,320sqm building would have had two cafes, an auditorium, performance studios and a learning resources centre.

University officials said the building would have helped it attract new students in what they called an "incredibly competitive university environment".

Sean Woulfe, director of estates at Kingston University, added: "We listened very carefully to feedback. The vast majority of the feedback that we've had has been positive."

But residents of Grove Crescent, near the site in the corner of the Penrhyn Road campus opposite County Hall, opposed the plans and feared students working in the building would be able to see into their homes.

The design of the building split opinion.

Development control committee chairman Councillor Richard Hudson said it reminded him of a World War II flak tower.

Coun Malcolm Self said: "Design is a subjective thing, I suppose. I like the design. It's a landmark."

Earlier at the meeting, a vote on plans for new buildings and sports pitches at Tolworth Girls’ School was deferred to allow Kingston Council officers to work with the school to address concerns over traffic in Fullers Way North, stemming from a linked residential scheme that would fund the renovation.

A lack of affordable housing provision in that scheme - and the contribution instead of £100,000 to the council, dubbed "very meagre" by Coun Roy Arora - also caused consternation.

Kingston Hospital's plans to expand its car park were approved.