PLANS for the redevelopment of a derelict site in Southampton have sparked concerns over affordable homes.

New offices, 600 flats, cafes and a new hotel could be built at the Toys R Us site under new plans.

But while some city leaders said the scheme will breathe new life into the site, others raised concerns, branding the plans ‘substandard and uninspiring’.

The new flats would be available for private rental as build-to-rent.

But developers said that “due to the challenges and cost of cleaning up the site from its past uses the ability to deliver affordable houses will be impacted”.

Developer Packaged Living said “this impact will be assessed in the standard way as the development comes forward” and stressed that the new flats  “will be affordable to the local population”.

But Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, branded the move as “unacceptable”. He said: “The Conservative council are encouraging developers to this site knowing that they are not committed to providing any affordable housing.

“This is unacceptable at a time when more and more families find themselves struggling with rising housing and energy costs. If the Conservatives are set on housing for this site they should find a solution to make at least some of it affordable.”

Cllr Satvir Kaur, leader of the opposition on Southampton City Council, said everyone wants to see the Toys R Us site redeveloped.

But she added: “But for such a prime city centre site, it’s a shame this plan is so woefully substandard and uninspiring. The council should be using sites like this to be ambitious. Having a pile of flats that no-one local can afford, does nothing for us or future generations.”

Cllr Mitchell, shadow cabinet member for housing, said the city “desperately” needs affordable housing.

Cllr Jeremy Moulton, cabinet member for growth, said the council is working on wider long-term plans to build affordable homes across the city.

Talking about the Toys R Us redevelopment hHe added: “It will come down to the planning process to determine that.”

He said that according to  current council policy affordable homes should be provided unless developers can prove that the move would make the development unviable.

“I think there’s a balance to be achieved there,” he added.

In a statement Packaged Living said: “The apartments at Maritime gateway will be affordable to the local population. When compared to national statistics for housing affordability an individual on a salary of £16,500, which is less than the average salary for Southampton, would be able to afford to live in a standard two-bed apartment within the scheme.”

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, described the plans as “exciting”.

“The area around Central Station has been neglected for far too long and this development will breathe new life into a derelict site”, he added.