PLANNING chiefs are studying proposals to transform the scene of a huge fire that destroyed a former social club.

Southampton City Council has received an application to bulldoze the remains of the building at Victor Street, Shirley, and replace it with 45 flats.

More than 70 firefighters from across Hampshire converged on the area after the blaze broke out on the evening of February 10 last year.

Flames engulfed the former Shirley Working Men's Club, which had been converted into an indoor play area called the Factory of Fun. The blaze soon threatened to spread to a neighbouring building used by the Salvation Army.

Firefighters were hampered by strong winds which fanned the flames and also sent a huge cloud of thick smoke drifting across the area.

Passers-by covered their faces with their hands and scarves, while people living nearby were told to keep their doors and windows shut.

Police launched an arson investigation but no arrests were made.

Now Four Twelve Homes, of Knowle Lane, Fair Oak, has applied for planning permission to build a five and six-storey block of flats on the site.

Planning documents describe it as a resubmission of a previous proposal that was approved by the council.

A design and access statement submitted at the time said: "It is proposed to demolish the existing building, currently used as a play centre, and replace with a building to contain flats.

"The proposal will inject life into this part of the street, creating a building of merit, and offer a type of accommodation in demand and suited to this location.

"The existing site is of no architectural merit."

Describing the proposed development the statement added: "The scale and design is in keeping with the area and allows for the regeneration of the site in a harmonious manner.

"The site is highly accessible, all shops and services are within close flat walking distance.

"Being conveniently located in the local centre of Shirley, all services and transport links are available. St James Park is located within a few hundred metres, along with numerous schools, doctors surgeries and shops."

The City of Southampton Society lodged an objection, citing what it described as the lack of affordable housing.