But the asymmetric option would leave the southern tower looking down on its famous neighbour.
In the last two weeks, the planners have received a presentation on a third option from the Alsop team.
It involves moving some of the apartments into the Cloud itself - meaning interior design work would have to be rapidly re-done, again possibly delaying the project.
Last night Steve Parry, chief executive of the Fourth Grace Consortium, said: "We have been working closely over the last few months with the city council planners, English Heritage and CABE, to refine the design and ensure a development that will be truly worthy of this world-famous setting.
"One of the issues has been the positioning of the residential
towers and the need to preserve very important views of the Three Graces from the Strand and the Albert Dock."
The dispute over the height of the towers has angered some city commentators.
Tony Siebenthaler, founder of the Downtown Liverpool thinktank, said: "Why is the Liver Building so sacrosanct? It's an absolute nonsense. If planners 100 years ago acted like today's, we would never have had the Liver Building.
"They should welcome tall buildings and spend their time making sure they are beautiful.
"Is our waterfront skyline going to be stuck at 295ft for ever? That is fundamentally flawed and could have serious repercussions for dozens of developments including the Kings Dock.
"We should be proud to have these buildings. They are beautiful and a symbol of the economic activity in the city."
It is thought planners are being particularly sensitive because of the city's bid for World Heritage Status for the waterfront, where a decision is due next month.
Nevertheless, the Fourth Grace Consortium hopes to reach agreement with them in the next two weeks.
A CONCERT takes place this weekend to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of musician Alfred E Rodewald who was founder of the Liverpool Orchestral Society - and after whom, of course, the Phil's Rodewald Suite is named....
Read more
"If someone threw a bomb in this room that would wipe out the whole of British musical culture," (semi) joked someone who will remain nameless sitting near me at the Association of British Orchestras conference today....
Read more
BACK to the proverbial grindstone? Fed up with the wild and windy weather? Wondering how to brighten up your 2012? You're not the only one....
Read more
Graham Linehan, Peter Capaldi, James Fleet, Ben Miller, Clive Rowe, Stephen Wight, Marcia Warren, Harry Peacock, little old 'ladies', Sean Foley, Michael Taylor, Scott Penrose and crew....
Read more
