PLANS for new homes in Southampton have been given the go-ahead.

The Wesley Centre and parish hall near Holy Saviour Church in Bitterne are set to be demolished to make way for 15 new homes.

All church activities now take place within Holy Saviours Church.

Planners said the Wesley Centre is currently in poor repair and would require significant investment to allow it to be properly used again.

A total of 30 parking spaces will be built at the site as part of the housing development while parking for the vicarage are is expected to remain unchanged.

The existing bowling green and pavilion are also set be removed.

The proposals were approved by the Planning and Rights of Way Panel at Southampton City Council on Tuesday.

As previously reported, some people said to be in favour of the scheme saying the plans would modernise the area “resulting in community facilities that are fit for their intended purpose”.

But others raised concerns over overdevelopment of the site and the impact on traffic and

trees.

In total 20 trees – eight of which are covered by tree preservation orders – are expected to be axed.

But at the meeting a planning officers said there are 109 trees at the site.

He added: “We are satisfied that we can mitigate any harm. This application is acceptable in its own right. It will help the church.”

Cllr Les Harris, chair of the panel, said: “It is nice to see some family homes being built.”

According to the proposals, four four-bedroom, six three-bedroom and five two-bedroom homes will be built at the site.

The plans were unanimously approved.