PARKING and overdevelopment are just some of the concerns cited by neighbours over plans to turn an empty derelict pub into flats.

A handful of comments have been submitted by residents over the proposal to turn the former Bridge Tavern pub in Coxford Road into a four-storey block of 15 flats.

The building would be demolished and eight, two-bedroom flats and seven one bedroom flats built in its place.

All the flats will have a balcony with a courtyard space as a garden for all residents.

But the development would be ‘car-free’, something residents have raised concerns about.

The pub, which has been empty for more than 15 years, has been the target of vandalism and attacks over the years.

One of the comments to Southampton City Council’s planning department said: “It is a crazy amount of flats to build on a small space, with no account for local existing residents and the impact caused on them.”

They described the parking requirements as “ludicrous”.

Another also described the lack of parking as a “major concern”.

One person objecting said the height of the development would ‘overshadow’ their house and block out light.

Planning ecologist Lindsay McCulloch has also objected, saying there is a high potential for roosting bats in the buildings on site.

A spokesperson for the developer said: "The current site is in poor condition, and both the building and site has clearly been subject to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"The project looks to redevelop an existing brownfield site, to deliver much needed city centre housing for Southampton. The design aims high, offering quality accommodation fit for 21st century living."

“Careful design and product specification is key to the success of our projects” reports Parminder Mew, MD of Darcy Construction.

“We have enjoyed developing this with Studio B.A.D and Southampton Planning department.

"Darren Bray (from Studio B.A.D Architects) has been key to ensuring that the design aligns with the local needs – his ethos that architecture can hold the potential to be a vehicle of social and economic change for the better is clearly at play here”