CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 1,650 new homes on the former VT site in Southampton have received enthusiastic backing from Southampton's business leaders.

Click here for a gallery of the development

The support comes just days after Woolston residents staged a march opposing the plans through the city centre.

Many locals oppose the number of homes on the site, fearing traffic and social problems will result from the influx of up to 4,000 people.

Captain Jimmy Chestnutt, director general of Southampton Chamber of Commerce, said: "The chamber has noted that the two planning applications submitted for the Woolston site indicate the provision of not only the 800 jobs from Palmer Johnson, but also over 350 further jobs within the Crest scheme.

"This makes a total of 1,150 jobs, which is more than envisaged in the earlier planning application. The Chamber also accepts it would have been difficult to attract such a key employer as Palmer Johnson without the supporting infrastructure that the Crest application provides.

"Transport issues are, of course, a major concern in any development of this size but shift working and new homes next to new jobs should result in less congestion.

"As well as the parking provision provided in various places within the development, other measures will help alleviate congestion, such as a travel plan with car sharing, bike storage facilities, a bus from the Woolston train station to the site and the possibility of a water taxi connection.

Click here for previous Woolston Riverside stories

Furthermore, the National Cycle Network NCN 2 will traverse the site, providing direct and safe cycle links to and from the area.

"On the basis of information provided, the Chamber is satisfied that the two schemes together will achieve a truly mixed-use redevelopment of the whole Woolston site and provide an economic boost to the Southampton City region in line with its maritime heritage.

"The revitalised waterfront, marine quarter and residential-led development create a vibrant community and commercial offer. These have already attracted inward investment that is dependent upon all aspects of the scheme going ahead."

Sally Lynskey, chief executive of Business Southampton, said: "Business Southampton broadly welcomes the development at Woolston. As an organisation that aims to further Southampton as a major city of excellence for business and economic growth we believe that the mixed usage on the site is good news. The development is positive for the city and will benefit the rich maritime industry in the area."

Superyacht builder Palmer Johnson, which is to create 800 jobs by creating a luxury boat-building facility on the site, now named Centenary Quay, also backed the residential plans.

A spokesman said: "Palmer Johnson is pleased to be working alongside SEEDA and Crest Nicholson in the regeneration of the old Vosper Thorneycroft site in Woolston.

"The integration of the employment quarter and the residential area is intended to complement each other.

Palmer Johnson hopes that this combined approach will help to extend the current Woolston town centre, so that it can be enjoyed by employees of Palmer Johnson and residents alike."