CONTROVERSIAL plans for student accommodation and a homeless shelter above a city Tesco store have been withdrawn.

The proposal to convert 42 student flats to both student housing and a homeless shelter was lodged with Southampton City Council.

The plans, submitted by VRESHP Limited, received a number of objections with local residents fearing that "recent crime and disorder experienced on London Road" would increase.

The building is three stories with a Tesco Express on the ground floor and 42 student flats on the upper floors, which is managed by Hello Student.

The plans sought to have flexible use of both student housing and a homeless shelter.

While the student accommodation was in use, the site would have been managed by Hello Student.

The homeless centre would have been run by Lotus Sanctuary.

The residents of the Lotus Sanctuary would have been males coming from a background of rough sleeping and offending who were referred by charities and the council.

New tenancies were due to be accepted between 8.30am and 5pm, with tenancies lasting up to two years.

However, residents hit out at the plans, claiming that the area "would not cope" with an additional homeless shelter.

Lyn Turnbull, owner of neighbouring restaurant Mexigo, said: "We have been here for over 12 years with no issues but within the last two years we have seen a big increase in problems caused by homeless people.

"They congregate outside Tesco and are frequently begging, sometimes aggressively.

"We see the police called on a regular basis to sort out issues."

She added that she "strenuously objects to the planning application".

Mr Bajar, of London Road, said: "Such piecemeal schemes do not then comply with the above as can be seen from the recent crime and disorder experienced on London Road after a similar facility was approved. The street cannot cope with a further approved scheme .

"It is with regret that residents have to object to such applications but this will further deter investment into the area as this is already an area recognised for anti-social behaviour.

"Residents will move away and therefore the city will not grow and businesses will not renew leases."

The application has now been withdrawn.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook