The whole class, which was constructed within a tight, cramped, and near impossible to modernise citadel, was nearly superseded by the completely redesigned N2 8500-ton 1944 cruiser, within the same box of the Colony/"Minotaur" design, which was approved by the Admiralty Board on 16 July 1943. The design had four twin automatic 5.25-inch guns, better range, internal space and subdivision and economical 48,000 hp machinery for . Twenty four of twenty-five leading RN admirals and the Sea Lords favoured the N2 and preferred the lighter DP 5.25 turrets; the incoming new First Sea Lord Andrew Cunningham disagreed believing 6-inch guns were essential. By 1944 the 5.25 RP10 was an improved surface and DP weapon, compared with the 1942 Mediterranean operations. Development of two new prototype automatic 5.25-inch twin turrets continued at Vickers till 1948.