Plans for nine new flats on High Road in Swaythling approved

The plans put forward by Eastleigh-based ACA Architectural Design will bulldoze the current shop and flats on High Road, in Swaythling, paving the way for nine new apartments.

The scheme was initially rejected by council chiefs in January 2023 and since then the developer has been working on amendments to the plans.

Plans for nine new flats on High Road have been given the go-ahead (Image: ACA Architectural Design)

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This includes reducing the building footprint to remain below 50 per cent of the site area, having a symmetrical front elevation with central communal access and reducing the visual bulk of the area and two-bedroom units set at lower levels.

The plans do not include any parking - but documents said this conformed to the relevant planning policies.

However, seven new cycle spaces are to be provided within a secure location to the side and two spaces internally.

Plans for nine new flats given the go ahead (Image: ACA Architectural Design)

The planning documents said: “The redesign is far more sympathetic and provides single occupancy unit sizes in a sustainable location."

It added: "There is no overriding reason to refuse the scheme and we request the support of Southampton City Council planning department or an opportunity to discuss/overcome any concerns that may be raised prior to determination.”

When first put forward last year, the plans attracted mixed views from residents, with one saying: “It's far too tall at the roadside. There is no other building on the street anywhere near as big.

“The application claims that there are other three-storey buildings but I disagree. Putting a Velux window in an attic doesn't make a house a three-storey building.

“The proposed building is three storeys PLUS a pitched roof. It's 33% higher than the existing building.”

Meanwhile, another said: “If we want the cost of living to fall and/or for young people to afford to become homeowners, we need a lot more homes like this... just preferably at an increased density.

“This location is also within walking distance of shops, services, and big businesses, so I'm pleased to see that no space has been wasted on car parking.

“These could make ideal homes for people who work locally, and thus will not require the additional expense of a car (including inflated house prices due to unnecessary parking).”