Residents 'delighted' as student flats plan halted

Residents have said they are "delighted" a university has put a halt to plans for a development of student flats.

The University of Southampton had faced opposition, including a community protest, to its proposals for more than 400 beds on the Avenue Campus in Highfield Road.

The university has confirmed it would not be pursuing the scheme, which was still at the pre-application stage, "at this time".

It said its focus would be on major developments at Wessex Lane, the completion of its Highfield Campus North East Quadrant and the renovation of the Nuffield Theatre.

In a statement, Kevin Argent, the university's executive director of estates and facilities, said the decision followed "careful consideration and consultation".

The university said plans to redevelop its Wessex Lane campus would deliver more than 1,000 new student beds, helping meet demand for accommodation.

It previously said its plans for Avenue Campus aimed to maximise its land to provide students with high-quality, sustainable and secure accommodation.

The proposals, which featured townhouse-style buildings, had already been revised last year following resident, staff and student feedback during an initial consultation.

Roger Brown, chairman of Highfield Residents' Association (HRA), said he was "delighted" at the university's decision.

But he said it highlighted the need for the council to "have a policy regarding the proliferation of purpose-built student accommodation across the city".

Portswood Labour councillor John Savage said campaigners argued the proximity of a large student development would have a negative impact on Southampton Common, which is a site of special scientific interest.

"Like the rest of the country Hampshire is suffering from massive loss of biodiversity," he said.

"To develop this part of the university for student accommodation so close to highly sensitive and important habitat would be incredibly damaging, particularly given the university's ongoing work to protect the environment."

Kat Barbour, Green Party Portswood councillor, said she would be writing to university leaders to seek reassurances the land would not be built on and to suggest ideas for its use to enhance the area.

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