NEW plans to build flats at the rear of a Southampton pub have been approved.

Previous proposals to build new flats at the back of the Ship Inn in Victoria Road, Woolston, were thrown out by the city council last year.

Council officers said the proposed flats would have an “unacceptable living environment”, but fresh plans were lodged earlier this year.

The new plans are to build two blocks containing nine two-bedroom flats on land which is currently used for parking and a beer garden.

The proposals have now been given the green light by the city council.