A decision looms on plans to demolish a vacant educational and training centre in Southampton and replace it with a block of student flats.

Applicant Mr Bajar wants to redevelop the St James Centre site in St Mary’s.

The proposal for 25 studio apartments is due to go before members of Southampton City Council’s planning and rights of way panel on Tuesday, June 10.

Bargate ward councillor Sarah Bogle, who tabled an objection, referred the application to the panel.

A report published ahead of the meeting said Cllr Bogle’s reason for referral was because she believed the proposed student housing did not complement plans for the area’s regeneration.

In her written objection, she said she would prefer an affordable housing development to meet the “urgent need in the city”.

Read more:

Cllr Bogle also raised concerns over whether demand existed for student housing in the location.

She added: “I do not oppose redevelopment of the site but it needs to complement any other plans for regeneration and development in the area.”

Fellow ward member Cllr John Noon also submitted an objection.

He argued the site was unsuitable for a student block and it would be “ideal” for social housing.

One resident objection was submitted during a public consultation.

The planning officer’s report, which recommended approval of the outline planning application, said evidence of student demand had been provided.

The paper added that the development would play a part in alleviating the pressure on students living in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

“Whilst there is an acute need for affordable housing need in the city, the local planning authority is required to consider the proposal in front of them,” the officer’s report said.

“The housing type will assist in providing a mixed and balanced community, and the site doesn’t interfere with any current strategic regeneration plans.”

The application site at 2 James Street currently features a two-storey flat roofed building, which was last used as an educational and training centre.

The proposed development features a four-storey building for the 25 student studio flats.

A design and access statement prepared by Kode Architecture on behalf of Mr Bajar, who bought the site prior to submitting the scheme, said: ”As a vast improvement over what exists, the proposal will inject life into this end of James Street.

“The building has been designed to relate to the architecture of the locality whilst adding vibrancy to the area.

“The accommodation will reduce demand and stress on the local housing stock, meaning more choice of homes in the area for families.

“As more blocks such as this get built across the city in suitable locations, this will free up many houses which are far more suited to a family use.”

The proposed building features communal space, including a laundry room, on the ground floor and communal private gardens to the rear of the site.

No car parking would be provided for students and they would not have access to parking permit schemes.

Two on-site car parking spaces would be primarily for staff and management purposes.

The plans include a secure store with space for 26 cycles for residents and a further four spaces for visitors.

The planning officer’s report said the accommodation would not be staffed on-site 24 hours a day, with the applicant confirming that their management company would ensure “efficient and effective management of the flats”.

The outline application is seeking permission for the access, appearance, layout and scale of the development, with landscaping to be dealt with as a reserved matter at a later date.