Southampton residents have hit out at 'inappropriate' plans to build a five-storey student block saying it will 'overlook' their homes.

The proposal would see the redevelopment of the 1970s-built St Margaret's House on Hulse Road, Southampton.

It currently provides 100 bedrooms across four floors but it could house 198 rooms, should the plans be approved.

Under said plans, Barsad Investments seeks to “enable the redevelopment for modern, improved student accommodation”, according to the planning statement.

As well as boasting 198 bed spaces the scheme will offer a raft of facilities including a gym, a cinema, and social spaces on each floor.

However, residents have said the proposed building would overlook nearby properties.

Daily Echo: Plans to turn a student accommodation block into a five-storey new build to house almost 200 learners have been submittedPlans to turn a student accommodation block into a five-storey new build to house almost 200 learners have been submitted (Image: Planning Portal)

READ MORE: Plans for 198-bed student housing block with gym and cinema

One resident said: "The proposed building will be a viewing gallery for my house and garden and those of my neighbours, with five storeys at 17m from my back fence. We will be overlooked."

They added: “We are concerned about intruder access from the back, it has occurred before, and the current fence is inadequate and recently took four months to repair."

Another resident hit out at the original plans of nine storeys.

They said: "To first submit planning for a completely unacceptable 9-storey building as the developers did in pre-planning meetings, unbeknown to the local residents, is treating the planning process with contempt.

"They then reduced the height from 9 down to 8 and then 6 storeys which again shows contempt for a residential non-city centre location adjacent to the Avenue Conservation Area"

A further resident highlighted the issue of parking and worries that there might not be enough for those living in the area.

They said: "Therefore there is a real chance that parking will overflow onto private car parks of properties along Hulse Road or cause problems with residents of Hulse Road by taking all the available spaces.

"The modern building design is out of character with the rest of Hulse Road and therefore inappropriate."

The plans now await a decision by Southampton City Council.