RETIREMENT flats will soon be built on the site of a derelict boathouse in Southampton.

Plans to build 51 apartments on the site next to the River Itchen at Cobden Avenue have finally been approved, six years after the proposals first surfaced.

Work is expected to begin shortly on the site, which will eventually contain a complex of flats varying from four to six storeys in height.

Developer McCarthy and Stone bought the site in 2007 and has put forward various schemes for the site.

Following several years of consultation with residents and discussions with the council, the current proposal was put forward in August 2010 with the broad support of residents living in the area and council officers have now given it final approval.

The new development will contain 51 sheltered housing flats for the elderly with 36 apartments containing one-bedroom and 15 two bedrooms.

The site will also contain associated car parking, a new riverside walk for residents and native plant species will be used to regenerate the waterside.

The developer says the flat complex will be in keeping with the nearby clock tower at the eastern side of Cobden Bridge.

McCarthy and Stone’s regional managing director Shane Paull said: “Everything we do is built around a belief that later life can be rich, rewarding and fulfilling, which is why we’re thrilled to be bringing this redundant site back into use to provide much-needed housing for older local residents.

“It’s important that people are able to stay close to friends and family in later life and this development will help make a really positive impact upon the local area.”

Some residents living near to the development have voiced concerns about the creation of the riverside walk.

Abigail Hamer and Gareth Stearn, who live in nearby Riverdene Place, had objected to the plans, saying: “We are aware of the problems previously caused by opening the gate by Whitworth Crescent, including theft and antisocial behaviour.

We would propose that the residents of the new development could have access to Cobden Bridge if it is thought to be beneficial.”

Other residents had raised concerns that increased traffic in the area could also lead to problems.