The  new submission of Walton Charity's plans to build offices on land used by neighbours has left opponents scratching their heads.

One of the main complaints is the similarity of the new plans to the previous application, which was withdrawn two weeks before the most recent submission.

Walton Charity wants to build a two-storey office block on its land to house them and other charities.

The similarity of the two proposals has led to councillors recommending the 158 letters of objections and 446 petition signatures previously lodged in response to the first application, should be included in the second application.

Councillor Christine Elmer, representing Walton South, said in a letter to the council: "The applicant says they have taken account of residents views but the application is still for a two-storey office block in a residential area, with 27 parking spaces, on 39 per cent of the park."

Coun Elmer said the second proposal to build on land in Severn Drive, Walton, had included a footprint reduction of slightly more than four per cent.

Mick Flannigan, of Rydens Road, who was the main driver in circulating the petition, said: "The new application appears to be the same, in all its essentials, as the previous one.

"Indeed, most of us have struggled to identify anything different about it. The applicant appears merely to have 'tweaked' the original."

Walton Charity said comments given following the first application were considered and the new proposal would keep key trees, with enhanced landscaping.

The charity has looked at alternative sites, but decided building on land next to one of the charity's care homes, Sherwood House, would be the best solution.

A spokesman said: "We have looked at and considered all remaining office premises but none are suitable, for a range of reasons including lack of disabled access which is essential for staff and clients."