Save Our Cities campaigner Florence Gersten objected, citing a report from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) which said the development was “ungainly” and would be to the detriment of historic Pownall Square.

The committee approved the plans before going on to consider the University of Liverpool’s £45m eco-halls of residence to replace a car park on the corner of Grove Street and Myrtle Street.

Development spokesman John Heallis said the halls would house 700-plus students. He also tried to allay fears about the impact of such an influx of young people.

He said: “We understand the concerns locally about the effect this may have.

“All we can say is the university operates a code of conduct quite different to private sector providers and is able to keep an eye on its students and bring in sanctions if there is on-going bad behaviour.”

He added one of the reasons students chose not to come to Liverpool – even after they had been offered places – was the quality of the accommodation the university currently offered.

Central ward councillor Nick Small said he supported the success of the university, but raised objections on behalf of residents that the brick and glass building would detract from the two nearby conservation areas featuring Georgian houses.

The committee agreed to undertake a site visit before making a final decision on the application.