CONTROVERSIAL plans for more than 260 homes in a Southampton neighbourhood have been given the green light.

Members of Southampton City Council's cabinet rubber-stamped the next steps in the regeneration of Townhill Park, which include 56 homes on the corner of Meggeson Avenue and Townhill Way.

A separate plot on the corner of the same streets will include at least 213 homes, and the council says the scheme comes after consultation with Townhill Park tenants.

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As reported by the Daily Echo, Cllr Warwick Payne has been criticised for his handling of the sceme but said last year that ratification of the scheme marked a "milestone" for the estate's regeneration.

Cllr Simon Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: "We are very pleased to be starting the delivery of regeneration plans that will provide a mix of affordable and market housing and essential community improvements to Townhill Park residents. 

"Regeneration of Townhill Park will also enhance the economic, social and wellbeing of its residents, with such measures as traffic calming of Meggeson Avenue and the creation of a new central Village Green and the improvements to linked green spaces and Frog’s Copse."

The 56 homes on one plot will be owned by the council and rented at "affordable" prices while the second plot will feature 45 to 55 per cent affordable housing.