SOUTHAMPTON'S planning bosses get a second chance to look at a scheme that would change the face of the city's old town tomorrow.

The development, dubbed the city's "French Quarter", is planned on the site of the old Habitat building and is to breathe life back into one of Southampton's most neglected areas.

But the multi-million-pound project has angered residents in the area who say their homes will be blighted by the proposals.

They claim that the planned blocks of flats will overshadow existing properties and that plans to close and build over Castle Way will create traffic problems in nearby streets.

Campaigner Elaine Keane, 40, from French Street said: "Our main objections are a lack of privacy and a lack of light.

"They are also proposing to build over a highway. How can you build over a road? It is a major road in the city."

Another resident who did not want to be named said: "Objections by local residents are being ignored. Narrow streets and loss of parking is fine if one has a horse and buggy"

City chiefs deferred making a decision on the huge project in December last year in order to fine-tune the application by developers, the Linden Braemore Partnership.

Now, city planning officers are recommending approval of the scheme which would see four new high-quality buildings built in the historic site containing 175 flats.

There would also be offices and restaurants created in the development if it is given the green light by members of the city council's planning and rights of way panel.

Four blocks of flats containing the apartments are due to be built on the site which will adjoin the High Street and Castle Way ranging in height from three to six storeys.

Castle Way will be closed and a new pedestrian walkway will be constructed through the buildings which have been planned to include balconies.

Existing buildings are to be knocked down and the area's pre-Second World War street plan will be reinstated under the proposals.

Linden Braemore are planning to reopen an alley called Brewer House Lane which ran between the High Street and Castle Way until shortly after the Second World War when the area was redeveloped following extensive bomb damage.

Other elements of the scheme include:

A realignment of French Street

A revised layout of parking bays in Castle Way

A relocation of City Link bus stops - currently in Castle Way

Traffic calming measures to create a 20mph zone in French Street.

About 88 parking spaces are also to be created for the flats if the scheme is given the final go-ahead by planning bosses.

Michael O' Brien from Linden Homes Southern Ltd said: "We have worked very hard to respond to the points raised at the previous committee meeting in December, where our scheme was deferred for further discussion and negotiation.

"We look forward to attending the committee meeting and are hopeful of a positive outcome."