People in Eastville are worried that a plan for flats will turn a wildlife sanctuary near their homes into a tip.

They live in Cottrell Road where the rear gardens back on to the River Frome, which attracts a range of wildlife on the riverbanks.

It is the last stretch of river before it runs into a culvert – mostly underground – and feeds into the Floating Harbour.

The plan is to convert three semi-detached homes in Heath Road into a total of 12 flats – six one-bed and six studio apartments.

The plan has been revised because of residents' fears over the effect of the new flats on the neighbourhood. The scheme originally included a new block in the rear gardens for six two-bed flats but this is no longer planned.

But one of the residents, Justin Quinnell, said there were still concerns that the scheme would see the stretch of river being turned into a dumping ground.

Mr Quinnell, 46, an expert in pinhole photography who is married with two young children, said: "This is an unbelievable oasis near the centre of the city.

"The river creates a wildlife corridor at the bottom of our gardens, which has created a sense of community responsibility among the residents."

The plan has been submitted by Vista Architecture, which is part of a firm called Colliers CRE.

It was revised after a meeting with Cottrell Road Residents' Association.

A statement from the developers with the planning application explains the revisions to the scheme, including more modest extensions to the rear of the existing buildings.

The reduction in new buildings and paved areas would reduce the risk of flooding. There would also be improved drainage systems.

There would be no development within eight metres of the riverbank and more car parking would be provided.

Marcus Plaw CRRT for the developers said the scheme would enhance the area, not detract from it. He said an ecological study had been carried out on the area, which found the riverbank and its screen of mature trees and bushes would not be adversely affected.

Councillors are to consider the plan at a planning committee meeting this month.