A REVOLUTIONARY development at a former Southampton shipbuilding site is set to be given the go-ahead by civic chiefs despite opposition from local residents.

Renewable energy giant GE submitted plans late last year to open a new research, design and development hub for renewable technology on the former Vosper Thornycroft site in Woolston that could create up to 250 new jobs.

The proposed plans include a facility dedicated to renewable technology which would include research, testing and the development of wind turbine blades and other renewable technologies such as onshore and offshore wind and hydropower.

The facilities which consist of one large-scale building would create 100 highly skilled engineer and technician jobs and 150 supply chain roles.

However, residents have said that the plans, which they branded an eyesore would increase noise pollution and late-night disturbance.

Roger Vaughan-Stanley, of Channel Way in Ocean Village, said: “No matter how much soundproofing the company applies to the buildings it is the noise outside in the open air which will disturb the peace of the neighbourhood; primarily this noise is caused by moving vehicles, including MHE and machinery.”

Jalessa Drake, of John Thornycroft Road, opposite the site, said: “This development will affect our community and the development of the area and will result in businesses pulling out and a noisy unattractive site.”

Peter Casey, of Andes Close, also in Ocean Village said: “This will add to an Uglyfication of Woolston.

“This adds to a massive over development of the Woolston area without any character or room to develop one.

“The factory is far too close to Ocean Village and Centenary Wharf and noise will clearly be an issue for all residents.”

However, planners at Southampton council planners say the proposed development makes efficient use of the site and would result in the regeneration of urban land, improving security in the area through an increase in occupation and passive surveillance.

The applicants also advise that there will, therefore, be a shift from wholly manufacturing to blade design, research, development and testing (alongside manufacturing) meaning that external activity which is likely to cause disturbance will be avoided.

The company said the scheme was a much bigger version of a previous plan for a 24-hour wind turbine manufacturing plant on the same site which was granted planning permission in April.

GE, which currently employs 18,000 staff in the UK, said: “When completed, the development will cement Southampton’s place as the centre of composite excellence and will be another important step in GE’s strategy of renewable energy investment in the UK.

“Woolston is the company’s preferred location among a number of international locations based on a number of key factors which include an excellent supply base, and an available pool of highly experienced staff at all levels with strong local academic institutions.”

Woolston councillor Warwick Payne, said: “The nature of the concerns is the same as last time.“It is now at the point whether the local community are concerned about the decision.“We want the applicants to delay the decision and sit down with the Centenary Quay residents and agree a comprise.

“I am keen to see jobs and investment on this important site but the mandate I have got from residents is that the proposed larger factory is simply too big and a compromise is needed in terms this as well as the number of proposed vehicle movements and noise and light disturbances. “What has triggered a bigger number of objections is its visual appearance and the other thing is that residents are concerned about car movements.”

The application will be determined by council planners next Tuesday.