A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build a block of flats in a leafy Southampton road littered with historic houses has been given the green light.

The nine-flat development by Vizeum UK in Belmont Road, on the former site of a nursery next to St Denys Road, was approved by four votes to three at a Southampton City Council planning and rights of way meeting.

Residents wrote to the council in objection to the flats, labelling them ‘prison-like’, while councillors criticised the development as ‘out of keeping’ with the area.

After the planning meeting, Conservative councillor for Portswood, Matthew Claisse, who voted against the proposal, said: “The building seemed more appropriate for a beach front in Florida rather than a corner of a residential street.

“I feel for the residents who live there. It is one thing driving past it, but it’s much worse for the residents who have to wake up and look at it.”