By Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans for new flats on Bitterne Road West near Athelstan Road are to be decided by the city’s planning panel.
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A part three and part four-storey building with five one-bedroom flats could be built at 182 – 184 Bitterne Road West.
The site would provide specialist supported accommodation for adults with learning disabilities.
The venue would be managed by Southampton City Council and Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group.
The plans will be discussed at a Planning and Rights of Way Panel on July 13 from 4pm, to be streamed online at
According to the proposals, the flats would be on the upper floors while a communal lounge, staff office, bin and cycle storage would be on the ground floor.
Staff members will not be residents at the site and it is not expected that there will be more than three staff members on site at any one time.
Image: LDRS
A number of concerns have been raised over the design of the building, its height and the impact of the development on traffic.
Among those who objected to the scheme is former Labour councillor for Peartree ward Eamonn Keogh, who raised concerns over parking, the appearance of the building and its design.
But local councillor Tom Bell (Con, Peartree ward) said the designs look “visually appealing and certainly appropriate for that busy junction”.
Planning officers said that a “taller” building at that location is “acceptable”. They also said the position of the building on a corner and in an area with “varied style and form provides scope for variety of design”.
A privacy screen is also proposed for the site.
Planners said the proposal is “unlikely” to result in a “significant” increase in traffic.
They added: “The council is committed to providing high-quality residential environments for all citizens of the city including for people with disabilities and aim to work with developers to make efficient use of available land. Having taken account of all relevant material planning considerations it is recommended that planning permission be granted.”
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