ANGRY Southampton residents have vowed to fight plans to build two blocks of flats next to their homes.

The controversial scheme would see 12 flats erected on the site of the former St Christopher School in Tamarisk Gardens in Bitterne if it is given the go-ahead by city planning chiefs today.

Residents say the three-storey flats would increase traffic and congestion on the small site and would overshadow their homes.

They also believe that the proposed buildings are out of keeping with other houses in the area.

Members of the Midanbury Court Residents Association have written 43 letters of objection to planning bosses at Southampton City Council.

They are supported in their battle by Bitterne Park Councillor Nigel Impey.

He said: "The development is like most developments in small spaces - it is out of keeping with the area.

"This particular block of flats will be three stories high. It is also significantly overlooking neighbouring homes. It is basically trying to get too much into too small a space."

June Packard of Tamarisk Gardens said the blocks of flats would be out of keeping if they were given the green light.

She said: "My house is going to be really overlooked. The building is right next door to me. It has got sloping roofs and is not in keeping with the area."