By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has received the green light from a planning inspector to deliver 84 homes on the former St Mary’s Independent School site following an appeal.
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The appeal was launched after members of the city council’s planning and rights of way panel refused the application in March last year.
A two-week inquiry chaired by John Longmuir took place at the Civic Centre in November, with the inspector’s decision published by the Planning Inspectorate on February 19.
The reasons given by councillors for refusing the application were the loss of open space and playing fields, the design of the development not being commensurate with the surrounding area and the impact on residential amenity in Monastery Road from increased traffic.
The inspector found the proposal would not comply with some open space policies but concluded the design was appropriate and vehicle movements would not jeopardise the reasonable living conditions of the existing residents.
He said there was a “significant” housing land supply shortfall in Southampton.
A spokesperson from SNG said the scheme would provide 84 “much-needed” affordable homes.
The development features eight one-bed flats, 24 two-bed flats, 27 two-bed houses, 22 three-bed houses and three four-bed houses.
SNG has previously confirmed it can use its strategic partnership grant from Homes England to deliver the project as 42 social rented and 42 shared ownership homes.
“There are over 8,000 people currently on Southampton City Council’s housing waiting list, so this development will provide a vital contribution to addressing Southampton’s shortage of affordable homes,” the SNG spokesperson said.
“We understand that some local residents have concerns about the plans, which is natural with any new development.
“As a long-term investor in the area, we are committed to working closely with the Southampton City Council, local residents, and community groups to ensure the new homes benefit both the future residents and the wider community.”
Cllr Sarah Bogle, cabinet member for economic development, said the inspector acknowledged the council’s concerns and an objection from Sport England, but he concluded they did not outweigh the benefits when viewed against policies and the National Planning Policy Framework.
“In allowing the appeal the inspector gave more weight to the city’s current housing need, the applicant’s offer of affordable housing, and a proposed financial contribution of nearly £620,000 towards open space improvements at Riverside Park than in the original refusal decision,” Cllr Bogle said.
The council has been ordered to pay part of SNG’s costs in bringing the appeal.
Cllr Bogle said this financial requirement would be agreed between the two parties in due course.
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