Plans have been approved as the owners of a popular shopping centre in Southampton look to install nets at the top of a multi-storey car park.

Southampton City Council's planning team gave Hammerson, the owners of Westquay, the stamp of approval to put metal mesh fencing in place in the multi-storey car park on Harbour Parade "to prevent suicide".

Documents suggested that nets will be used at the 2,484-space car park.

READ MORE: Southampton firm fined £8k for ignoring planning permission

Plans note that the fence is an "anti-suicide mesh" and the description of the application says it will be used to "enclose perimeter of roof levels".

Planning officers approved the development conditionally, noting the high interest of "visual amenities" and keeping the building at a "high visual quality".

The plans were also granted on the basis that the development will start no later than three years from which permission was given, which is typical practice for Southampton City Council.

Call Samaritans on 116 123 for support.