Scaled-down plans for the former Red Lion pub in Tolworth went on display at a public exhibition this week.
Property developer CNM Estates is pressing ahead with new designs for a pub, shops and 50 homes, after losing a costly appeal with a Government planning inspector in January this year.
The “rabbit hutch-style” apartments were criticised by councillors last year and a row of 10 houses was judged too overbearing on neighbours in Red Lion Road.
Developers have dropped about 10 homes, raised the underground car park to street-level and created a 5,000sq ft raised garden.
Managing director Wahid Samady said: “I still believe the first scheme was the best but that’s water under the bridge.
“I’ve now owned the site for two-and-a-half years and it has cost me a huge amount of money sitting around.
“I’m not happy about it. It’s all very good trying to accommodate people’s wishes but it has got to be economically viable.”
Resident Bernard Meade, who fought the two previous planning applications, said the new design was much better, but will study the plans thoroughly before deciding whether to object again.
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