SOUTHAMPTON MP John Denham, pictured, has criticised plans for a new housing development in the city.

The Labour MP for the Itchen ward said plans to build on the former New College site off The Avenue did not include enough family housing.

It is the latest controversy to greet the plans from Linden Homes after neighbours reacted angrily and said it would be out of keeping with the local area.

"This is an important site for the city," said Mr Denham. "It's not often that this much land becomes available close to the city centre and it's a pity that not much will be available for families.'' The building project for more than 200 flats, 19 town houses and a 69-unit sheltered accommodation home is the most expensive piece of real estate ever sold in the city.

A convent, a swimming pool and a student accommodation block are among the conservation area buildings set to be demolished to make way for the new development.

"I believe that the city council needs to develop better policies for this sort of site," he added. As revealed in the Daily Echo when Linden Homes bought the old La Sainte Union complex from Southampton University, it made the land the most expensive ever known in the city.

It has now submitted its proposals for the overhaul of the site to the city council for planning permission.

Under the plans some buildings, including the gate lodge, the library and the original chapel built in 1904, would be retained.

Some land would also be given over to neighbouring St Anne's School as part of its development of a science block. The plans are scheduled to be discussed by the city council's Planning and Rights of Way Committee at a meeting on October 9.