A decision looms over plans to use a key redevelopment site in Southampton city centre as a temporary cruise passenger car park for five years.
The demolition of buildings at the Leisure World complex is already underway.
Associated British Ports (ABP) currently has permission to use the existing parking area until January 1, 2025.
The application has been referred to the panel by Bargate ward councillor Sarah Bogle.
In her objection, Cllr Bogle said granting the scheme “effectively stalls development for a further five years”.
“This proposal does not meet the aspirations the city has to regenerate and develop the city centre, make the city a destination city or improve access to the waterfront,” she said.
Planning officers have recommended approval of the application, subject to conditions.
The move by port owners to use the land off West Quay Road for parking came after work to start the comprehensive redevelopment of the site stalled.
Sovereign Centros secured outline planning permission for a £250million project in 2022.
The scheme features 650 homes, two 150-room hotels, a cinema and a casino.
An officer’s report to the planning panel said: “Currently there is no interest from the development industry in either implementing the outline permission or bringing an alternative redevelopment option forward.”
If approved, the land would provide 1,493 car parking spaces, which would be an increase of 700 spaces when compared with the existing situation.
Cruise passengers would enter and leave the site via Solent Road, with no access directly from West Quay Road.
Outside of peak cruise season of May to October, the land would also be used for other port-related storage.
ABP said the additional parking would particularly support operations at the City Cruise Terminal.
A design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant by Adams Hendry Consulting said former parking areas within the port were now needed for other port-related uses.
This included land within the Western Docks supporting an increase in cargo being moved by rail, the need for additional land for the import of Tesla electric vehicles and longer dwell time being experienced for cruise and trade parking needs.
The demolition of the Leisure World complex is due to be completed by the end of June.
Southampton City Council owns the freehold for the land.
The Grosvenor Casino on the site will continue to operate, with its own car parking area accessed from West Quay Road.
Councillors on the planning and rights of way panel will consider ABP’s application at a meeting on Tuesday, June 4.
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