ALMOST 30 new flats are set to be created at a site in central Southampton.

Plans to add five storeys on to a building in Cumberland Place have been approved by city council planners.

Orchard Homes and Developments Ltd had filed proposals for the work earlier this year.

The firm's proposals include adding five storeys onto the existing five-storey structure to create 28 flats.

They will be divided between 20 one-bed, seven two-bed and one three-bed flats and on top of 24 flats which will be built at the site after separate planning permission was granted last year.

The plans also include a new refuse store and a cycle store, which will be accessed from the rear of the building, as well a ten-space car park.

The building had previously been used as city centre offices.