Residents slam University of Southampton plans for 400 student flats

University of Southampton has held a second phase of consultation on its proposals for the Avenue Campus, which could see more than 400 students living on the site.

This included showcasing changes that had been made to the scheme following an initial period of public engagement.

The university said the height and overall size of the proposed accommodation had been reduced, while its latest designs incorporated ‘townhouse’ style buildings with fewer rooms.

However, two residents’ associations are maintaining their opposition to the development on the former Richard Taunton’s College site off The Avenue and near Southampton Common.

Oakmount Triangle Residents’ Association (OTRA) said they did not believe their concerns were being listened to by the university.

Malcolm White, chair of OTRA, said: “Fundamentally we are opposed to the whole scheme.

“It is not a question of twiddling around with it or changing the size of it.

“It is right in the middle of a residential area on three sides and the other side is the Common.

“Our basic feeling is it is an inappropriate development in that environment and will lead to a lot of conflict between the local environment and the university students.”

Highfield Residents’ Association (HRA) said the university should explore putting additional accommodation elsewhere on its estate where there was less potential impact on residents.

A statement from HRA said: “HRA recognises that a number of changes have been made to the previous proposals.

“But the fundamental concerns from the earlier feedback – overdevelopment, quality of design, the impact on the local community and the impact on the surrounding area – have not been addressed.

“HRA remains of the view that this is an inappropriate development in an inappropriate place.”

The university’s revised proposals for the Highfield Road site, which are still at the pre-planning application stage, would provide halls of residence for up to 400 students across seven new blocks.

A University of Southampton spokesperson said they had listened carefully to local residents, students and staff during the initial consultation, which had led to the changes being made.

The spokesperson said: “The new proposals retain a number of existing trees on the boundary and enhanced boundary vegetation to help with privacy – also additional tree planting in other areas and enough car parking to meet demand.

“The plans for Avenue seek to maximise use of our own land to provide our students with high-quality sustainable accommodation, enhancing their experience and helping to meet the future growth of the university.”