A HUGE block of flats that could transform central Southampton could be approved by city planners today.

The multi-million-pound scheme would see a 16-storey block of flats - dubbed Mayflower Plaza - built on the existing car park near Commercial Road and the city's Mayflower theatre.

The massive V-shaped development would see a tower containing 196 apartments facing West Park Road.

A further block 14 storeys high would face Watts Park.

A pedestrian concourse and entrance to the site would face the park and Havelock Road.

The inside of the huge structure would be landscaped with a central courtyard.

Underground car parks would also be built on the site as well as two restaurants if the scheme is given the go-ahead by members of the city's planning and rights of way panel.

City planning chiefs would look to see 25 per cent of the flats given over to affordable housing.

Office space would also be built in to the prestigious site.

The scheme has been approved by English Heritage although the design watchdog still has concerns over the visual impact of the building on the listed Civic Centre.

Residents in Commercial Road have also expressed fears that the sheer scale of the development would overshadow their homes and the setting of the historic Watts Park.

City planners are due to impose tough planning conditions on developers, Clerical Medical Investment Management Ltd, if they give the scheme the go-ahead.

These include:

The provision of public art.

Connection to the city centre district heating network.

Funding of improvements to the junction of Commercial Road and Havelock Road.

Improvement of pedestrian and cycling facilities in the area.

Contributions to the provision of public open space and play areas.