A housing association attempting to get permission to build 84 homes has hit out at the council’s "shameful" approach to development.

Legal representatives for Sovereign Network Group (SNG) said there was a “shocking catalogue of failure” in Southampton, which made the city a “socially and economically unsustainable location”.

The remarks came in the written closing statement for the planning inquiry appeal in relation to land at the former St Mary’s College site.

SNG wants to build an 84-home scheme on the former school playing fields. The proposal attracted more than 180 resident objections.

The appeal for the site was launched by the housing association after members of the city council’s planning and rights of way panel went against a local authority officer’s recommendation and refused the scheme in March.

A planning inquiry took place at the Civic Centre in the first two weeks of this month.

However, due to running out of time, the appellant and the council submitted closing statements in writing.

In the appellant’s closing, Christopher Young KC said the council had an “inexperience” when it came to planning appeals, adding that its witnesses had presented evidence of “remarkable narrowness and petty absurdity”.

He said the benefits of the scheme were “legion”, including a commitment to affordable housing, creation of a public open space and investment in sports facility improvements at Riverside Park.

The appellant’s closing statement identified 12 points that showed a “complete collapse” in the delivery of housing in Southampton.

Mr Young KC said: “This shocking catalogue of failure is making Southampton a socially and economically unsustainable location, where the housing need of the younger generation of people is being all but ignored.

“It is not just bad – it is shameful.”

In his conclusion, Mr Young KC said it was difficult to see how a different proposal could generate further benefit on the site than the appeal scheme.

Rebecca Sage, representing the council, said the adverse impacts of the proposals “significantly and demonstrably” outweighed the benefits.

The planning and rights of way panel’s reasons for refusal were the loss of open space and playing fields, the design of the development not being commensurate with the surrounding area and the impact on residential amenity in Monastery Road from increased traffic movement.

On the latter point, Ms Sage’s closing statement said: “The reality is that the impact of the proposals on Monastery Road residents’ quality of life would be significant.

“The development would be detrimental to those who currently live on, and enjoy, this quiet cul de sac.”

SNG’s proposed development for the site, which is located between Monastery Road, Beech Avenue and Cobden Crescent, features eight one-bed flats, 24-two bed flats, 27 two-bed houses, 22 three-bed houses and three four-bed houses.

The housing association said the scheme could be provided as 100 per cent affordable housing, with half social rent and half shared ownership homes.

Government-appointed planning inspector John Longmuir will consider all of the evidence before providing his decision in writing.