Planning battle rages over blaze property

Fire crews from Redbridge, St Mary's and Eastleigh were called to the blaze, which severely damaged the roof and first floor of the two-storey semi-detached house in Seymour Road, Shirley.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Daily Echo, four men, aged in their 20s and 30s, escaped uninjured when flames engulfed the house in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Neighbours say they had been squatters at the property for more than a week.

The house, which has stood empty for six-and-a-half years, has been the subject of an ongoing planning battle since developer Glenshire Homes first made an application to Southampton City Council.

The proposal to convert the house into five four-bedroom flats, complete with detached garages and an access road, met with resistance from residents when it was put forward in December 1999.

Almost five years later, in April 2004, councillors refused permission and an appeal was immediately lodged.

One Seymour Road resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Most of the residents are against the plans.

"This is a quiet road and we don't want it ruined with such an eyesore."

Other neighbours believe that, since the last owners left, there has been a spate of criminal damage and thefts from the house.

One woman living nearby, who did not wish to be named, said: "Since we've been here there have been people breaking in, smashing windows, trying to set the house on fire and stealing things.

"It's quite scary wondering what's going to happen next, so it would be a relief to have the development here."

An informal hearing to discuss the appeal took place at the Civic Centre, Southampton, on Wednesday, and planning inspectors also paid a visit to the house.

A final decision is likely to be made in four weeks' time.

A council spokesman said: "It would not be appropriate for us to comment on the application at this stage because the appeal is still being considered."