A DECISION on whether to grant a 10-year permission for a container complex in Southampton is to be taken next week.

Converted shipping containers, to be used for new offices, studios for artists as well as retail, food and drink uses are set to be installed on the eastern part of College Street car park.

It comes as last year the scheme was granted a five-year permission. But developers are now asking for a 10-year temporary planning permission “in order to secure investment for the scheme”.

The proposals put forward by Matthew Sanger will be discussed by planners next Tuesday.

According to the plans, 20ft (6m) or 40ft (12m) long container units would be  arranged to form two internal courtyard spaces.

Some of them would be powder coated “with vibrant colour” and others would be double stacked on the western side to form an upper floor bar and terrace and artists’ studio. If approved offices at the site would operate from 7am to 11pm Monday to Friday while containers earmarked for food and drink uses would open from 11am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.

Six special entertainment and live music events also are proposed per year.

The move would result in the loss of 73 parking spaces.

Some residents raised concerns over the plans and their impact on noise, litter and road safety.

Local resident Cheryl Butler said: “This project will increase noise, increase traffic, increase litter. One of the achievements of recent years has been to bring back residents to live in the city centre. To maintain this surely it is about proper urban planning, green areas, pedestrian areas, quality developments, maintenance of public spaces, looking after heritage, protecting the environment. None of those things will be delivered by this scheme.”

But developers said: “College Street Yard is a venture that will build significantly on the vibrancy currently being felt in Southampton by giving additional space to new start-up businesses, local producers, evocative and memorable events, creatives, residents and visitors. By bringing different people and ideas together, we will  bring economic and community benefit for the city. ”

The plans have been recommended for approval.

Planning bosses said: “The proposal will provide improved offering for start-ups and creative industries and will add to the vitality of the city centre. It has been demonstrated that the development will not lead to adverse noise impact and is safe in flood risk terms. Furthermore the site arrangement and appearance of the containers will not have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area having regard to the 10-year temporary period requested. The existing boundary wall and trees are to be retained and the scheme will lead to less than substantial harm to the setting of adjacent listed buildings.”

Officers also said that a litter management plan is set to be secured as part of the plans.