Southampton: Council reacts to plans for 17-storey flat block

Bargate ward councillor Sarah Bogle has spoken out after proposals were revealed to demolish a factory and build a block of flats with 397 studio rooms.

Residents would have their own rooms but share communal spaces.

The redevelopment of the former Olleco site on Royal Crescent Road would see a new cafe, co-working space and a gym.

The 'co-living' facility has been described as "providing a lot less living space than is normally suggested".

Cllr Bogle, cabinet member for economic development, said the proposed development could "particularly impact on nearby communities".

READ MORE: Factory could be demolished for 17-storey flat block with almost 400 flats

She told the Daily Echo: "This is the first application in the city for what is known as ‘co-living’ accommodation and will be subject to scrutiny by our planning team.

"This is a different type of development than anything we have seen to date, providing a lot less living space than is normally suggested by national standards for individuals.

"There is some shared space for some aspects of day-to-day living and some options to use the site for enterprise and business activity. Examples have emerged so far in cities like London and Manchester.

"The proposed changes to the Olleco site will particularly impact on nearby communities in St Mary’s, Chapel, Chapel Riverside and Ocean Village and would urge local residents to have their say and comment on the plans.

"Our priority as an administration is to secure more affordable housing for people struggling with the rising cost of living and will need reassurance this will help address that need."

It comes after the plans were submitted by by Infinite Living (Southampton) Ltd who call the shared facilities 'co-living'.

This means that residents would have their own studio rooms but share workspaces and social areas.

Each studio room will be rented at £845 a month. 

The plans have been met with frustration from some local residents and businesses. 

lan Jones, 81, the director of the Solent Sky Museum, said: "The area doesn't require any more accommodation.

lan Jones, 81, the director of the Solent Sky Museum (Image: Newsquest)

"We have masses of accommodation. 

"What we require is commerce and hotels. We need tourists and infrastructure such as cafes and retail shops. 

"There are so many flats and houses and the character of the city is disappearing.

"It needs to be a place for people to visit."

A woman who lives in Orchard Place said that the plans were "not a good idea" if the accommodation is shared. 

"I just moved out of a studio flat and still not enough space for people to live in," said the woman who did not want to be named.

"The price is too high for that sort of living."

However, some residents believe the plans are a "better use of the area. 

A 28-year-old student from the University of Southampton, who did not want to be named, said: "It sounds like a good idea. It provides an affordable option for affordable living in the area. 

"The use of an abandoned factory allows for better use of the area."