PLANS to build flats behind a former cinema look set to be approved – despite worries over the lack of parking.

Members of New Forest District Council are being urged to support an application to transform a vacant site next to the old Savoy picture palace in Junction Road, Totton.

The Savoy closed in 1961 and became a block of flats known as Savoy House before the name was changed to The Old Cinema.

But a proposal by Roxan Homes to build a further four flats on neighbouring land does not include extra parking provision.

The application is being opposed by Totton and Eling Town Council.

In a letter to the district council it says: “It seems as though the site would use existing parking supplied for the flats at The Old Cinema.

“The eight spaces provided for the two sites would fall well short of the provision needed for all 25 flats.”

Hampshire County Council is also objecting, saying the lack of parking provision could result in people leaving their vehicles in neighbouring streets.

But the scheme looks set to be approved by the district planning committee tomorrow.

A report to members says: “The site has lain dormant for a number of years. The proposal would create a development which would make a positive contribution to the street and provide much-needed residential units.

“While the site is earmarked for office or retail units, a marketing report demonstrates that the only viable use for the site is residential.

“Moreover, the proposed development would not have any adverse impact on the living conditions of adjoining properties, and the fact that no parking is provided should not mean the application should be refused.”

The report says the site currently makes a “very negative” contribution to the area.

It adds: “When viewed from Maynard Road there is a large area of concrete hardstanding set behind an unattractive chain-link fence.”

A Roxan spokesman said: “Our proposal for four flats seeks to address the shortage of good quality and affordable housing in the town centre.

“Our scheme provides the ground floor residents with their own gardens and introduces some green amenity between The Old Cinema and our proposal.”