CONTROVERSIAL plans to build dozens of flats near a busy high street would offer "a poor residential environment" for students living in them.

Developers Goadsby Planning & Environment had submitted a proposal to install 37 student flats at an unused workshop on The Broadway, Portswood, just behind The Victory Centre.

It came months after the firm had been refused planning permission to redevelop the site, but with 43 flats.

The new proposal included communal laundry facilities and cycle and refuse storage, with developers promising to spruce up the "rather drab" building.

However, once again locals objected the plans citing issues over parking as well as noise if it was the green light.

Chris Swann, of Abbotts Way, said: "If there is no on-site parking then the problems on adjacent roads will be exacerbated.

"The student blocks will impact on the neighbouring residential properties in Westridge and Tennyson Roads and above the Portswood shops.

"A further increase in student flats in the area is likely to add to the existing late night noise and general disturbance."

A resident from Westridge Road added: "The population of Portswood is totally unbalanced.

"This site was a light industrial usage and to have students there is impractical. Access to emergency vehicles etc would seriously be impeded."

In its application, the developers said the building would have effectively been made of two 'wings', linked via a central glazed entrance.

It added: "An attractive and improved access way will lead to the site from the Broadway.

Here, a pavilion style entrance will provide a welcoming introduction into the site and improve what is currently a rather drab appearance."

But Southampton City Council's planning officials rejected the proposal due to it being an overdevelopment and the impact it could have on its neighbours.

Goadsby Planning & Environment said it was unsure whether the application would be resubmitted.

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