Residents have given the thumbs down to a large 25-storey high student tower which could be built next to the Emirates Stadium, describing the building as “ugly and out of character”.

Arsenal has submitted a planning application for the development in Hornsey Road, Holloway, through its developer Ashburton Trading Ltd.

The building, which includes a top floor viewing area, will have 450 rooms housing students from various universities.

Residents in Highbury expressed concerns regarding the height of the development.

Ceri Middleton, 25, of Highbury Park, Highbury, said: “The students obviously have to live somewhere but does the design have to be so big?”

Matthew Johnson, 47, from Highbury, said: “I just think this is over-the-top. It appears to be modern and trendy but in a few years I suspect this will look very dated.”

The planned skyscraper features a similar design to the Ashburton Triangle residential block, which is also supposed to feature the Arsenal colours. But even people who live in that block are not convinced about the new tower.

Jim Thoroughgood, 33, of Ashburton Triangle, said: “This looks like an eyesore and the height is out of character with the area.”

Siobhan McGinn, 27, who lives in Highbury Square, the development on the old Highbury ground, added: “The new student tower is quite an ugly big building. The design looks like Lego or jigsaw.”

The plans include refurbishing railway arches, a new pedestrian route and landscaping which will be carried out by architects MUF.

A three storey building, housing a restaurant and a bar, would also be built if the plans are approved by Islington Council, and not everyone is against them.

Geraldine Patterson, of Highbury Hill, Highbury, said: “I personally would not be opposing the development because it will no doubt be giving people jobs in construction and students a place to live.”