Plans to turn former Totton offices into 13 supported living flats approved by New Forest District Council
PLANS to turn former offices in Totton into 13 supported living flats have been approved by New Forest District Council.
Purpose Social Property applied to create the flats at 7-9 Rumbridge Street for adults aged under 65 who have learning difficulties, autism or physical impairment.
The latest application received four objections about overlooking and loss of privacy, increased noise, lack of outdoor space and "excessive" development.
At a meeting of NFDC's planning committee, Cllr Mahmoud Kangarani said he was "very concerned" about the development and the lack of natural light in the flats.
He added: "It is not providing a healthy living accommodation for people."
Cllr Kate Crisell said she thought the facilities were needed but that the design was "an ugly building".
Cllr Malcolm Wade was for the development, however, saying: "It is a needed facility and it probably a better use of the site than it is at the moment."
Cllr Christine Hopkins agreed and said her cousin, who has Down's Syndrome, would "give anything" to live in such a facility.
She added: "I think it is wonderful."
The application is for 12 one-bedroom flats plus a two-bed flat which would be used as an office and overnight accommodation for staff.
There is no allocation for car parking but four cycle spaces are provided.
Totton and Eling Town Council also recommended it for refusal over the lack of parking as well as potential noise and disturbance.
But a report to the NFDC's planning committee said: "The proposed development would provide an appropriate residential redevelopment of the vacant site by providing new dwellings in a sustainable town centre location."
Last year the site was granted planning permission for six homes.
Members voted in favour of the latest application by 11 votes to two.