A controversial scheme to build new flats in a prime waterfront scheme has been given the go-ahead - to prevent the key site being left in limbo.

Developer Wilson Bowden was granted permission to build more one-bedroom flats at Admiral's Quay, in Southampton's Ocean Village, because of a slump in demand for larger apartments.

Residents, with the backing of Southampton Itchen MP John Denham, were concerned that 74 more flats than previously approved would lead to parking chaos, with only 39 additional spaces planned.

The developer has already built five apartment blocks anchored by marina restaurant Banana Wharf and the Pitcher & Piano pub.

The two additional blocks will add 230 flats with larger space for similar commercial attractions.

Rival

The marina is seen as a potential rival to Portsmouth's critically acclaimed Gunwharf Quays.

Wilson Bowden development director, Graeme Cosgrove, told Southampton City Council's planning panel he acknowledged residents' concerns.

But he stressed it would not be "viable" to continue with the old plans because they were "out of kilter with the current market", which wanted one and two-bedroom flats.

"We are very proud of what we have achieved so far. We would like the mandate to get back on site as soon as possible and create a stylish waterfront the city can be proud of," he said.

He said a clumsily worded letter to the council was not a threat to quit.

Marine Development Ltd, which owns the site and has its own hotel plans to transform the marina, backed the application saying it was a "critical piece of the jigsaw".

Resident Lionel Hobbs, of Andes Close, said cars from the development were already spilling into nearby streets causing neighbourhood rows.

Ward councillor Richard Harris said: "We have landed ourselves with a development which may detract from the very reason why Ocean Village was being built by the city."

Councillor Alec Samuels said he was very unhappy with the amended plans.

"It appears this developer has misjudged the market. To say if you don't get permission you will just leave it as an open derelict site; I don't like the sound of that.

"I don't like the way they try and put the council over a barrel."

However Councillor Blatchford said the parking of just under one space for each unit was "generous compared to other developments".

The panel also approved a retrospective application for 13 additional flats in one of the completed blocks.

However panel chairman, Councillor John Slade, said: "I'm alarmed at how a company which tells us how professional it is just rides roughshod over the planning committee.

"I feel like someone standing at the end of a plank with a gun to his head being told to sign this now."

Councillor Samuels added: "It's not a way to conduct business."

Mr Cosgrove declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting.