PLANS to turn a former private members club in Southampton into a Co-Op convenience store will go before councillors tonight.

The retailer says its new store could create 25 jobs, but there are fears the plans for the old Archers Road Social Club site could add to existing parking issues in the area.

The old club, formerly Southampton Ex-Servicemen's Club, was founded 95 years ago by soldiers returning from the First World War, but shut its doors for the last time in December amid dwindling membership figures.

Brightbeech Property Ltd had filed a bid to convert the ground floor of the building into a shop and its first and second storeys into four two-bed flats.

In the firm's bid, it says "this development presents the opportunity to improve residential amenity for nearby houses by removing issues of antisocial behaviour and late night noise associated with the former private members club and provide local people with quality, fresh food within walking distances of their homes".

However some residents living near the site are concerned, with ten representations made to the council.

Residents' concerns include fears that it will increase congestion in the road, with Banister School directly opposite the site, and could lead to an increase in noise and litter.

The site sits within the Bargate ward but the homes directly opposite are part of Freemantle ward.

Freemantle councillor and Conservative group leader Jeremy Moulton is one of two councillors objecting to the plans.

He said: "It is a very, very busy road, it's dangerous as it is and the school is trying to tackle the parking issues caused by some parents dropping their children off.

"I think it will create a real highway safety issue, I would much rather see a development of homes and there are convenience stores within minutes of it, so I think it's not needed and inappropriate."

Bargate councillor John Noon said: "One of my colleagues from Freemantle, Dave Shields, has raised these issues with me, I would have some concerns about parking, particularly because it's right opposite the school."

In a letter supporting the application the Co-Op's acquisitions manager for the South East, Vicky Newman, said seven deliveries by heavy goods vehicles would take place a week, while the store could create 20 to 25 jobs.

She also says the proposed opening hours of the new store would be open between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week.

However city council officers have recommended that the new store only be open until 10pm if the plans are approved.

Planners have recommended that the plans be approved, with the addition of a number of conditions including the reduced opening hours, at a meeting of the planning and rights of way panel tonight.