SOUTHAMPTON City Council, in their wisdom, have decided to allow two new giant student accommodation blocks to be built on prime land in the heart of the city’s business district.

Have they not thought of the impact such a move will make on potential new companies wishing to relocate to the area and the subsequent employment they will offer?

As the University of Southampton’s main campus is located in the Swaythling/Highfield/Portswood areas of the city, wouldn’t it make more sense to build student accommodation blocks closer to the university? The old run-down houses in this area are, frankly, an eyesore. Perhaps it might be more appropriate to demolish these old houses, many of which are currently owned by private landlords and being let to students.

I do understand that students bring in much needed revenue to the city, but please, not at any price. The city needs more office space. We already have far too much student accommodation in prime locations throughout the city.

The council is changing the whole dynamic of the city – surely enough is enough!

So please, will the powers that be think again? Everyone living in Southampton should be considered – after all, we are not all students.

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