A SOUTHAMPTON woman wept tears of relief after a controversial scheme to build two blocks of flats on the site of a former school was thrown out by city planners yesterday.

June Packard, 53, of Tamarisk Gardens in Bitterne Park, had spearheaded the battle to overturn a controversial scheme which could have seen the two blocks - each containing six flats - built on the site of the former St Christopher School.

To residents' delight the controversial proposal was unanimously thrown out by city planning bosses.

After the meeting Mrs Packard said: "I am completely relieved. It is a shame we will have to go through this again when a new planning application comes in. When it does, the building needs to be lower and much more acceptable."

Dozens of residents, including members of the Midanbury Court Residents' Association and Bitterne Park councillor Nigel Impey had objected to the controversial plans.

Residents feared that the two blocks of flats would overlook their homes and that the development was too densely packed into the space which would be left when the former school buildings were pulled down.

Members of the planning committee were told that the planned block of flats would have been too near Mrs Packard's home if the scheme had been given the go-ahead.

Roger Stafford, also of Tamarisk Road, told members that residents fully expected the site to be redeveloped but the present proposals were unacceptable.

He said: "All local blocks are two storeys. These designs may be modern but they are not in keeping with the area.

"Many plans have been submitted but the quality of the plans has been atrocious."

Councillor Alec Samuels said: "It seems to be very high indeed. There has been no attempt to fit it into its surroundings."