PLANS for additional parking on a greenspace between two Southampton homes have been approved – despite residents pleading for the scheme to be scrapped.

As reported, Balfour Beatty had applied to install nine new spots in Blakeney Road, on behalf of the city council.

Some residents had written in support of this, but a handful of the houses closest to the area had formally objected.

But at a planning committee on March 8, councillors gave the application the green light.

In a letter, David Purcell, a Blakeney Road resident, said he is prepared to take the council to court.

Daily Echo: Blakeney Road, Southampton

"This car park will effect my quality of life by overshadowing my property, lights will shine in my property at night and yet another green space in which children play will be lost forever," he said.

"Noise pollution will increase along with increased traffic in this road. If it goes ahead I am prepared to fight the case in court for overshadowing and light pollution directly into my property."

Grass block paving will now be installed to facilitate the extra parking.

However, council planning officer Lindsay McCulloch, who specialises in ecology, said will “result in the permanent loss of greenspace”.

She said: “Compensation will be required for the loss of greenspace which should either involve the re-provision of greenspace elsewhere or improvements to the remaining greenspace.

“The frequency of vehicle movements is likely to prevent grass from growing within the grass block and it cannot therefore be considered to provide adequate mitigation for the loss of the grassland.

“Instead, I would expect to see the introduction of an equivalent area of wildflower grassland around the margins to improve the quality of some of the remaining grassland.

“This would also deliver biodiversity enhancements which are required under policy Promoting Biodiversity and Protecting Habitats.”

Redbridge ward councillor, Amanda Guest said though that she is "pleased" to see plans approved.

"Having canvassed the area this year and last about the parking problem,there was strong support from majority of residents who wanted something constructive done" she added.

"The new Local Conservative Council are keeping our promises and delivering for local people.

"The new plans will also see EV infrastructure facilitated on site".

It is unclear when the new spaces will be open to use.