CONTROVERSIAL plans for a tower block in Southampton will come under scrutiny next week.

Proposals for 199 flats in Ocean Way, Ocean Village are set to be discussed by planning bosses on November 3.

The proposals - which sparked  more than 300 objections - are for a 24-storey building with two lower levels either side, one 14-storey and one eight-storey.

Ten parking spaces would also be created at the site.

MDL Developments – which tabled the plans – said the scheme would provide much-needed homes and jobs.

But as reported,  local residents raised concerns.

The plans, which were scaled down in April this year, will be discussed by the Planning and Rights of Way Panel at Southampton City Council in a virtual meeting at 6pm.

MDL Developments said the £36m investment would provide 300 jobs.

But planning bosses at the city council have recommended that the plans are refused for a number of reasons including the size of the development, its impact on the skyline and the loss of trees.

According to official documents, among the concerns raised by local residents there is the loss of light to nearby properties.

The scale of the building has been described as “out-of-character and over-bearing” and its design “unattractive”.

Residents also said to be concerned over the  impact on traffic and parking as well as the level of development in the area over the past years.

Bargate councillor Sarah Bogle said she would like to see  “a properly agreed master plan for the Ocean Village area” before any new planning application is decided.

In a document published ahead of next week’s meeting planning bosses said:  “The application proposal results in a building of excess bulk and massing that dominates neighbouring development and views of Ocean Village, including strategic views of valued heritage assets in the city. As such, the proposal is considered to result in significant harm to the character and appearance of the area which justifies the refusal of planning permission.”

But  Kristi Roger, development director at MDL Developments, said: “We would be very disappointed if plans were refused. The project represents some £36m of investment, alongside £365,000 in council taxes per year, £2m in Construction Infrastructure Levies and 300 construction jobs – all of which the Council will be turning down if the project is refused.  This would be very unfortunate at any time, never mind in the current economic climate.  On this basis, we would not consider a refusal to be a well-balanced decision by Southampton City Council.”