Student blocks approved despite retail concerns

Plans for a student accommodation scheme on the site of a shopping centre have been approved, despite objections from residents living nearby.

Student accommodation provider Fusion Group and real estate investment firm Tri7 plan to redevelop the Portswood Centre in Southampton with five and six-storey blocks providing 508 student bed spaces.

Objectors criticised the "massive scale" of the development and the amount of commercial space proposed.

It was passed by the casting vote of the chair at a meeting of Southampton City Council's planning committee.

The plans also include retail units on the ground floor.

Revisions were made to the plans with the removal of eight student beds to allow an increase in retail floorspace of 43% from what was initially proposed.

Jane Jameson, speaking on behalf Portswood Residents Gardens Conservation Area, said she strongly objected to the changes in the amended plans.

She said: "This is a token response and it is completely inadequate, particularly given the massive scale of this development."

Ms Jameson also raised concerns about the loss of the car park on site and the redevelopment having no rear delivery access.

Portswood ward councillor Katherine Barbour said: "I think this is a really enormous building which will overshadow the end of Portswood Broadway and it could set the scene for further similar developments of a similar nature.

"It doesn't look anything like shops on the Broadway."

Julian Evans, development director of Fusion Group, said the proposals would deliver "much-needed regeneration" of the site.

Mr Evans said: "The revised proposals seek to ensure maximum flexibility and provide the best opportunity for a successful diverse and long term retail offer to be established."

Tim Clark, of property consultants Vail Williams, said it would "act as a catalyst for further improvement of the area".

Members of the panel were split in their opinions about the development plans.

Sue Blatchford said the blocks were too big and in the wrong location, while Richard Blackman said the development would smarten up the public realm in the area.

After members voted three apiece in favour and against the plans, chair Vivienne Windle used her casting vote in favour of the scheme.

She said although various issues remained with the proposal there was insufficient evidence to justify refusal in planning terms.

The meeting heard the new accommodation could be open by summer 2028.

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