A HISTORIC plan that could protect Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre from future development has been rubber-stamped.

The Bassett Neighbourhood Plan was voted for by residents in the ward earlier this year, meaning they have become some of the first in the entire country to have their say on how the area is developed in the future.

As well as spelling out a number of conditions which anyone wanting to build new homes in Bassett will have to stick to, it provides some protection for the sports centre.

Fears were voiced by residents in 2013 that some parts of the centre could be sold off for housing, but a condition in the plan said developments would not be permitted there unless in “very special circumstances”.

They include funding improvements to the sports facilities, or where “there is an essential need for the provision of utility infrastructure”.

Bassett councillor and neighbourhood forum chairman Les Harris said at the time of the vote: “In other words, if it was to benefit the sports centre itself you could put a building up if everyone was in agreement, but you couldn’t put a house up.

“What it means is that the people of the ward have had their say about what they want in the planning process.

“It’s certainly one of the first ones done in a city across the whole country.”

Under the plan, any proposals for development in or around Bassett Green village will also only be considered if they are sympathetic to the character of the area.

Houses of multiple occupation will only be allowed if they meet strict criteria, including conditions that they will “not be detrimental to the overall character and amenity of the area”, or to residents in neighbouring properties.

Councillors unanimously voted to back the move at a meeting of the full council.

Cllr Harris was praised for driving forward the plan by councillors of all parties, with council leader Simon Letts saying: “It’s a really good example of what effective councils can do to impact their areas.”