PLANNING bosses have been recommended to approve plans for more than 600 new homes on the former Debenhams site in Southampton.
The store, which has been closed since the company's collapse last year, is the subject of plans to build a total of 607 homes.
Under the proposed scheme by Southampton Estates Ltd, three new blocks would be erected comprising of seven to 17 storeys, with two commercial premises also planned for the ground floor.
Of the 607 new properties, 598 of them would be apartments, with the further nine becoming townhouses.
READ MORE: Plans for 600 new homes on former Debenhams site submitted
A total of 108 car parking spaces would also be created including 16 electric vehicle charging spaces and seven accessible spaces.
Further facilities would be created for bicycles with space for 480 bikes.
An area of 2,006sqm would be dedicated to creating a "public plaza" and pedestrian routes through the site whilst the total private outdoor space would equate to 1,266sqm.
Of the homes, 231 of them would be one-bedroom properties, 325 two-bedroom and 51 three-bedroom.
Due to be discussed at a planning meeting next Tuesday, councillors have been recommended to back the scheme with documents stating that the plans should be delegated to the head of planning and economic development to approve.
Approval would be subject to several other agreements including a bat emergence survey, a highway condition survey and environmental considerations.
This comes after some residents objected to the scheme stating that it would have a "detrimental impact" on neighbouring buildings and would cause traffic and parking issues.
One objector said: "It will be like having 100 eyes in the skies peeping at us.
"Currently when I look out my window or enjoy some time on my Balcony, I can see the tree tops of Hogland's park, and for most of the time Beautiful blue skies.
"The proposed plans would dramatically change the skyline for us living in Bond Central, and also other neighbours around."
Meanwhile, another said: "There is inadequate infrastructure within Southampton of schools, hospitals/surgeries or, major local employment.
"The reality is, new residents, will commute out of Southampton onto primary routes and Motorways to work, creating more congestion and pollution."
However, the planning application states: "The scheme is viable and deliverable and will add value and variation to the housing mix in Southampton city centre with a high-quality proposal that integrates well with both its immediate and wider surroundings, enhancing the setting of the Grade II* listed urban parks and improving the permeability of the site."
New access is also proposed to the site from East Street, Houndwell Place and St George Street.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel