A MULTI-million-pound scheme to build a huge new Sainsbury's superstore at Shirley Precinct, Southampton, has been given the green light by city planning bosses.

But the plans came under fire from members of the city council's planning committee who branded the food giant's designs for the building - which include a glass tower incorporated in the main store - as "lacking in imagination" and "disappointing."

The scheme was also slammed by Councillor Alec Samuels who attacked city chiefs over their transport policies.

He warned that the scheme did not take account of car parking needs in Shirley - and the problem delivery lorries would cause to local residents.

He said: "The real problem is a transport problem. It does seem to me that the city council is falling down badly. You need an overall policy for vehicle and lorry movements. Parking is not sufficient. The city council should have looked at that. We should have a transport and parking policy for Shirley District Centre."

The controversial plans include the redevelopment of Shirley Precinct into a giant Sainsbury's superstore which will be dominated by the glass tower.

The car park at the rear of Shirley High Street is set to be extended and will provide space for 235 shoppers to park their vehicles.

But there would be no "long stay" spaces created in the scheme under the current plans.

A new housing office is all set to be built on the site, the council's library will be re-furbished and shops fronting the precinct would be re-built.

The precinct is also due to be landscaped and re-furbished to form an improved "piazza" area with the listed Golden Jubilee fountain moved to a more prominent position in the square.

Final details of the scheme have yet to be worked on by city planning chiefs. But the scheme was given the go-ahead by members of the council's planning committee - in spite of their reservations.

Cllr Sue Blatchford argued that the design for the glass tower was "disappointing." She said: "It does not seem robust enough. It is an OK kind of building but it is lacking in imagination. It is a shame there is not a more imaginative design aspect."

Her words were echoed by Councillors Paul Russell and John Slade. Cllr Slade said: "This will not stand out as an outstanding building of the 21st century."

Officers will now look at the details of the scheme before it is given final approval.