A SIX-storey block of flats, which will be built near Southampton's historic Watts Park, was described as a characterless "box" by planning chiefs.

Members of Southampton City Council's Planning and Rights of Way Panel approved the planned 50ft building - in spite of concerns about its bland appearance.

The controversial project was opposed by members of the City of Southampton Society, who claimed that the building would overlook Watts Park and would cause a loss of privacy to residents in nearby Cumberland Place.

The site is currently used for car parking between the Park Hotel and the Grade II listed terrace at Cumberland Place.

Original plans to build on the site were approved in April last year.

But members of the committee were told that the original scheme had proved to be not viable financially to the developers.

The new proposals will see ten one- bedroomed flats built on the site instead of the original three luxury apartments with a roof terrace.

Councillor Alec Samules told members of the panel that a "very similar" external design had been approved for the building last year.

He said: "This is substantially the same, at least from the outside. I must confess I don't think much of the design. Unfortunately, you will be able to see this thing from the park.

"We should have a proper skyline policy around our parks. They are an enormous facility and asset to the city."

The chairman of the panel, Councillor John Slade, added: "When you look at it, the word "box" springs to mind. As we have approved it and there are no major external changes, we can't refuse it."