CIVIC chiefs have received an application to build almost three times the number of flats put forward in a previous scheme.

Plans to construct 16 apartments at the junction of Horseshore Bridge and Drummond Drive in Portswood were approved by the city council three years ago.

But the applicant, Saeed Poswall, has now submitted a proposal to provide 47 homes on the same site.

A design and access statement that forms part of the application says: "This latest scheme, although larger, seeks to provide a more deliverable project, accommodating a greater mix of residential units in an effective and efficient manner.

"The approved scheme is unviable and undeliverable in light of the current market, and rising build costs."

Daily Echo: A CGI of the proposed development at the junction of Horseshoe Bridge and Drummond Drive, Southampton. Picture: TSBP Architecture.A CGI of the proposed development at the junction of Horseshoe Bridge and Drummond Drive, Southampton. Picture: TSBP Architecture.

The statement cites the large number of high-rise buildings that have already been approved in the city and their importance in kick-starting the regeneration of sites.

Permission is being sought for a six-storey building containing 47 flats - ten one-bedroom homes and 37 two-bedroom properties - with access from Drummond Drive.

The scheme also includes 36 parking bays and space for up to 85 bicycles.

The application says the site, close to St Denys station, is only a short walk from facilities. It also boasts connections to local and national cycle routes, while the area itself benefits from "excellent" bus and train services.

The proposed development is "fully in accordance with national, regional and local planning policies".

Daily Echo: A CGI of the proposed development at the junction of Horseshoe Bridge and Drummond Drive in Southampton. Picture: TSBP Architecture.A CGI of the proposed development at the junction of Horseshoe Bridge and Drummond Drive in Southampton. Picture: TSBP Architecture.

Summing up the statement adds: "The existing [approved] scheme is not viable and by definition no longer deliverable in the current residential market and with rising construction costs.

"The current scheme is viable, just, but is unlikely to be able to provide onsite affordable housing.

"The design team has sought to maximise the opportunity the site offers in terms of workable access, as well as taking account of design features in the surrounding area. The proposal reflects the approach to allow moderately tall buildings in appropriate locations."

The scheme would deliver "much-needed housing in a very sustainable location in the heart of the city".

Daily Echo: A CGI of the proposed development at the junction of Horseshoe Bridge and Drummond Drive, Southampton.A CGI of the proposed development at the junction of Horseshoe Bridge and Drummond Drive, Southampton.

Plans to provide 16 flats on the site were approved by the city council in 2019.

Since then several alternative designs have been put forward, including a 16-storey block of 90 apartments and a nine-storey block of 60 flats.

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