PLANS to build a flat inside a local centre in Thornhill would "offer poor living conditions" and have an impact on the wider community.

Developers had been seeking permission to create the living space inside the centre at 15 Thornhill Park Road as the ground floor of the unit had been empty for two years.

In rejecting the proposal, Southampton City Council said: "The creation of residential use on the ground floor would be out of character within the context of the shopping parade which predominantly is characterised by commercial uses on the ground floor.

"Furthermore, the significant loss of servicing area of the existing commercial unit would compromise its ability to serve the daily needs of the local population and therefore harm the viability and vitality of the local centre and the established character of the local area."

Planning officials also added that insufficient parking would have an impact on any future tennants.