SCORES of residents spoke of their fears last night over controversial plans to bulldoze a Southampton pub to make way for a housing development.

Householders near The Elephant and Castle in Bursledon Road, Sholing, said the proposals would lead to traffic chaos and affect their quality of life.

David Wilson Homes plan to build 51 properties on the site, which will include 37 flats.

Around 70 residents told the developers of their concerns at a public meeting yesterday evening.

Graham Chapman, of North East Road, told company bosses: "Your proposals will cause untold air pollution, noise pollution, possible light pollution and the possibility of increased road traffic accidents.

"How many people want these proposals and how many don't?

"You will go away with a fat profit, leaving us to suffer the consequences.''

Ward Councillor June Bridle set up the meeting for residents to air their views to the developers.

Many householders said the development would be out of keeping with the area and the increased cars and traffic would worsen existing problems.

Hundreds of people have already signed a petition to protest against the plans to knock down the pub for the homes.

The Laurel Pub Company Ltd has confirmed it will sell the pub to David Wilson Homes, provided council planning chiefs approve the scheme.

It will go before the planning committee at the end of the summer.

Cllr Bridle said: "A lot of residents are concerned about the impact this scheme would have and there are lots of issues around it, such as traffic.

"I would urge everyone with concerns to put them to the planning committee, which the committee must consider.''

Company planning director Giuseppe Zanre said the firm had taken concerns on board and would be submitting altered plans in the coming weeks for further public consultation.

He said after the meeting at St Monica Junior School in Bay Road: "I think all applications cause a level of concern to local residents. It's similar to other applications we produce up and down the country.''