Plans for businesses to keep their outdoor seating could lead to a "wider public realm scheme" in the autumn.

Councillor Jeremy Moulton, cabinet member for growth at Southampton City Council, said the disused parking spaces in Bedford Place may even eventually be turned into an extended pavement.

Two businesses, Retro cafe and Beards and Boards Craft Beer Bar had previously said they may be forced to close for the summer if plans for the loss of their seating area were to go ahead.

But now, having previously branded the plans as “unfair”, the owners of the two businesses have met with councillors and agreed that the seats will remain.

He said: “In due course we would look to turn these sections of the road in to extended pavements and public realm.

“Timescales for that would likely be from spring next year and we will also be looking to codesign a wider public realm improvement scheme with residents, customers and businesses over the autumn.”

Council transport bosses said there will be consultations on further measures and stressed the decision to reopen the road comes after 57 per cent of local businesses were in favour.

But the Labour group on the authority is calling on the newly-elected Conservative administration to keep the road closure in force throughout summer.

Labour councillors in Bargate, Bevois and Freemantle wards surveyed residents living near Bedford Place and found that 478 out of 769 were in favour of the closure.

The Labour group said 115 were against it and 176 did not have a particular view.

Bargate councillor Sarah Bogle, shadow spokesperson for transport, said: “Residents deserve to have their voice heard in any decision. We are calling on the Conservative administration to allow this scheme to continue through the summer to allow a proper assessment on its effects, and to consult local people before making a decision on its future.”

She said some residents suggested the road closure should continue until the end of the summer while others were said to be in favour of evening closures.

Cllr Moulton said the reopening must go ahead, but evening closures were possible from next year.

He said: “We have tried very hard to balance all the passionate views around Bedford Place and are looking as far as possible for a win-win outcome.”