NEW flats in Woolston would have an "impact on the character" of the area, planning officials have said.

Developers had hoped to transform 27 Obelisk Road into three flats, consisting of one three-bedroom, one two-bedroom and one one-bedroom spaces.

However, Southampton City Council rejected the plan as the development would "adversely detract from the character and appearance of the local area" as well as "create a car dominated frontage" outside the flats.