RESIDENTS are celebrating after controversial plans to use shipping containers as art studios in a residential area of South-ampton were turned down by planning chiefs.

More than 200 angry people in Woolston signed a petition objecting to the scheme for the containers to be placed on wasteland near the junction of St John's Road and Inkerman Road.

Staff at Southampton City Council's heritage services had offered their support to the plans and had given their permission for the space to be used as a base for young artists.

But residents said the land should be transformed into a play area and feared the containers would be an ugly eyesore.

Anita Graham, of John's Road, said the plans were "disgusting".

She said: "John's Road is 150 years old and one of the last original roads in Woolston. If you put in these containers the road would not look original, it would look horrific."

Councillors tasked with approving the plans at a planning and rights of way panel meeting were split on the matter - a single vote proved decisive.

Woolston city councillor Carol Cunio said: "The area has been neglected for years and what is really needed is a play area."

It was hoped that up to 40 artists - led by local art group 'a-space' - would create paintings, photography and light sculptures in the containers.

Dan Crow, from 'a-space', said: "There's nowhere for young artists to work in the city, nowhere for them to start their careers. This scheme was meant to help them."

Councillor June Bridle, chairman of the planning panel, agreed that it was important to encourage young talent, but believed the Woolston site was not appropriate.