Controversial plans to convert student studios into accommodation for homeless people have been pulled.
Proposals to repurpose a block of 25 studio flats at 17-18 St Mary's Place faced fierce opposition.
They were originally lodged with Southampton City Council by Assetz Exchange Ltd and sought to create interim accommodation for the homeless and rough sleepers.
However, the application did not propose any physical changes to the premises.
The plans faced scores of objections via the local authority's website.
One St Mary's resident said: "We are already experiencing problems of people getting into our building and outside sheds for the use of drug taking.
"We feel this new proposal to use 17-18 St Marys Place as homeless accommodation will increase this unsettling and intolerable behaviour."
READ MORE: 'I'm still shivering from yesterday' - homeless in the cold snap
Another added: "Having a property in the adjacent building, we have already on multiple occasions already found homeless people sleeping in our bike store where our children store their bikes and scooters.
"The residue of these visits has been used syringes and remnants of drug usage, including blood deposits and other bodily fluids."
A letter from Hampshire police said there was not sufficient information within the proposal for the force to support it.
Furthermore, the plans did not show a safe area for staff.
In 2019, a partially-built block of flats at the existing site went up in flames sparking a major emergency response.
The fire in St Mary's Place in 2019 (Image: Daily Echo)
St Mary's Place and St Mary Street were cordoned off as around 50 firefighters from across Hampshire worked to tackle the blaze which sent thick black smoke pouring across the city.
Nearby shops and properties suffered fire damage and scores of residents were left homeless.
READ MORE: St Mary's fire in Southampton leaves families homeless
Three people had been spotted on the roof of the partially-built flats shortly before went up in flames.
An arson investigation was launched, however, no one was prosecuted.
The Daily Echo has contacted Southampton City Council to ask why the application was withdrawn earlier this month.
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